If you’re around campus this summer, you’ve likely noticed a buzz of construction activity at places like the Curry Student Center and International Village. And if you’re away from campus, well, you’re in for a bit of a surprise when you return this fall.

The Facilities Division’s design and construction team is hard at work on some of the busiest areas of campus, so news@Northeastern spoke with Christine Jones, project delivery coordinator, to find out what changes folks can expect.

The first part of our campus construction update focuses on the Curry Student Center, where the bookstore, information desk, LGBTQA Resource Center, game room, and Starbucks are all undergoing renovations. A new Center for Intercultural Engagement is under construction, and the tunnels in Ell, Richards, Churchill, Cabot, and Snell Library are being refreshed with new lockers.

Information desk

“A new multi-function information desk will be installed on the lower level of the Curry Student Center. The new dynamic counter is already under construction and will include space for student groups, campus information, and a business center. The interior corridor will also have updated carpet, ceiling, lighting, and graphics that will create a more welcoming area.”

Bookstore

“The bookstore is currently on the fourth and final phase of its renovation, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of July. The bookstore will remain open during construction, with a temporary entrance located in the Ell Hall hallway. Improvements to the bookstore include new flooring and merchandise fixtures, as well as a brand new layout and cashier station.”

LGBTQA Resource Center

“The LBGTQA Resource Center is undergoing an upgrade this summer. Additional gathering spaces and enhancements can be expected with dynamic furniture, which can accommodate a variety of meeting and events, a new A/V system, and upgraded finishes.”

The various renovations occurring over the summer will enhance the student experience by providing welcoming and functional community spaces to encourage collaboration and innovation that meets the needs of our diverse student body.
— Christine Jones, project delivery coordinator, Facilities Division

Center for Intercultural Engagement

“Currently in construction is the new Center for Intercultural Engagement, which will replace the current game room located on the first floor. To support a vibrant multicultural community, the center will include an 18-person conference and training room with a display; two student lounge spaces with displays; a four-person meeting room; and a laptop bar along a glass wall overlooking the atrium.”

Game room

To make room for the new Center for Intercultural Engagement, the game room is being relocated to the fourth floor of Curry. Construction on the new location will include updated video game displays, re-felted billiard tables, and new lounge seating. The larger space provides more headroom for billiards play, and the new glass entrance adds more natural light, providing an inviting and engaging atmosphere to maximize activity and community within the space.”

Starbucks

“The Starbucks renovations are planned to start in late July and include relocating the ramp and stairs within Starbucks, along with finishing upgrades and new equipment. The new layout will improve the overall guest experience through a more efficient design that will reduce lines by improving circulation and access to the service counter.”