Summer 2025 Campus Construction Projects

Duquesne University is launching more than 30 campus improvement projects this week. These upgrades—whether cosmetic, structural or functional—reflect the University’s ongoing investment in our campus and our bigger goals of enhancing student experiences, educational opportunities and workplace improvements. From large-scale renovations to behind-the-scenes maintenance, these efforts are preparing our campus to be ready for anything.

Whether it’s creating more welcoming student service areas, modernizing residence halls or upgrading labs and libraries, these projects all share a common purpose: making our campus a place where opportunity begins at home.

Your patience and cooperation during the summer construction period are deeply appreciated as we work together to improve our campus for students, staff, faculty and the entire community.

Here’s a quick look at some of the key projects taking place this summer. A full map of all the upcoming projects is also available on the Facilities Partners Teams Channel. Contact%20Facilities for access.

Projects with Direct Student Impact

Fisher Hall Skywalk Renovation, Mechanical Engineering and Simulation Labs
Faculty and staff are encouraged to plan your walking routes accordingly as the Fisher Hall pedestrian bridge will be closed for upgrades including new glass, branding, lighting and a refreshed lobby. Closure details were shared via official email communications to all employees on May 12. In addition, Fisher is getting a new state-of-the-art engineering lab complete with glass walls, updated lighting and new accessible restrooms. A new simulation lab with medical training equipment is also being installed to support hands-on learning for health sciences students.

Rangos/Rockwell Steam Tunnel Repairs
This work requires sidewalk closures in the area.

Mellon Hall – Maurice and Laura Lecture Halls
Improvements include powered seating, new carpet, handrails, infrastructure updates, lighting improvements and acoustical enhancements for a better learning environment.

Law Library – Second Floor & Elevator Modernization
Renovated study and meeting areas, plus upgraded elevators will enhance both comfort and accessibility.

Gumberg Library – Fourth Floor
Major upgrades are underway to transform the fourth floor into a modern, student-friendly space. Entry is temporarily rerouted through the 3rd Floor Wellbeing Center.

Old Main Student Services Renovation
The ground floor of Old Main (the administration building) is being transformed into a one-stop hub for student services, financial aid and the cashier’s office, featuring tech-enabled lounge space and private meeting rooms. Watch the DU Times for more information on this project.

Vickroy Residence Hall Renovation
A comprehensive modernization is underway, with input from student surveys. Updates include new lighting, restrooms, finishes, laundry upgrades and a more welcoming lobby.

Supporting a Stronger Campus Environment

These improvements are also being made to enhance the overall safety, accessibility and appeal of our campus.

Forbes & Locust Garages
Preventative structural repairs, new paint in elevator lobbies and stairwells and updated systems are in progress. Expect partial closures in upper garage levels.

Mendel Hall Demolition & Greenspace Creation
Demolition of Mendel Hall is making way for a landscaped green space and improved pedestrian access.

Koren Building Refresh for Office of Human Resources
Floors are being updated with new finishes, modern bathrooms and branding-aligned design elements.

Canevin Landscaping Project
Upgrades include new seating, lighting, brick cleaning and the addition of a rear door, screen wall and gate—improving outdoor space with minimal disruption.

Campus-Wide Maintenance Projects
Includes flower planting, ADA button installation, emergency system updates and painting—mostly behind-the-scenes improvements but important to everyday accessibility and safety.