O’Hare Academic Center debuts renovated classroom wing

When the fall 2015 semester gets underway Wednesday, students and faculty will begin using the O’Hare Academic Center’s renovated classroom wing, which was completed this summer as part of an ongoing $26 million renovation and expansion project.

Scheduled to conclude in June 2017, this project will add 23,000 square feet to O’Hare’s footprint and provide critical updates to its current educational spaces.

“This is an exciting time for Salve Regina, and we look forward to expanding the University’s capacity for contemporary teaching and learning,” said President Jane Gerety, RSM. “Completion of this first phase of the renovation of the O’Hare Academic Center provides us with an impressive preview of the many academic enhancements our students and faculty will enjoy. We understand that progress of this nature will cause some disruption, and I appreciate the support, encouragement and patience of the entire University community.”

Renovation of the north classroom wing marks the first phase of this four-phase project. The second phase, which will continue throughout this academic year, centers on the addition that will eventually house the departments of Business Studies and Economics and Nursing.

In summer 2016, the third phase will focus on renovating the existing laboratories for the departments of Biology and Biomedical Sciences and Chemistry. The last phase, scheduled for fall 2016, will provide a comprehensive update to the Bazarsky Lecture Hall.

Throughout the 2015-2016 academic year, Jazzman’s Cafe will continue to operate as usual. A second eatery, Sandella’s Flatbread Cafe, will be added next summer. Offerings will include salads, paninis, quesadillas, grilled flatbreads and wraps.

Although the renovated classroom wing has been completed, it will not be configured for permanent use. Business and nursing faculty will be temporarily housed in this wing until their new spaces are completed next summer. After that, the wing will house the departments of Mathematical Sciences and Social Work and provide general classroom space.

O’Hare will be functional throughout the construction process, with every effort being made to minimize disruptions to students and faculty.

Learn more about the O’Hare renovation and expansion project.