June 29, 2017

This is the first of a series of updates you will receive periodically during the construction of Maxine Frank Singer '52 Hall. In addition to providing expanded, modern space for biology, engineering, and psychology, Singer Hall—planned as a model for environmentally intelligent construction practices—will support the campus community by strengthening interdisciplinary connections between academic departments across the curriculum.

Singer Hall construction began in earnest earlier this month. As areas around Papazian Hall and the Meetinghouse were prepared for construction, underground utilities were installed and/or relocated. The interior demolition of Papazian Hall also began. Full demolition of the structure will begin in late July and should be completed in mid-August. In a related project, the renovation of the garden level of Pearson Hall into a new academic space is now underway and should also be completed in mid-August. 

Over the next two weeks, underground utility work around the Singer Hall site will continue. Additionally, a new turnaround lane in front of the Meetinghouse will be created as part of the widening of Whittier Place. Excavation for the new building will begin once demolition is complete. You may notice that portions of the Papazian façade will be salvaged so that they can be reused as part of Singer Hall and elsewhere on campus.

Throughout the duration of the project, the construction team will continue to closely monitor and manage both vehicular and pedestrian traffic near and around the project site to ensure the safety of the entire campus community.  Please be aware that there may be temporary intermittent delays for vehicles on Whittier Place, and please exercise caution when walking on the paths immediately adjacent to the construction site. 

We thank you for your continued cooperation and patience as this complex effort gets underway. For additional information, visit the project website or email bep@swarthmore.edu. Please look for additional updates throughout the summer.