Dickinson Announces HUB Renovation Plans

Hub Video Image

Hub Video Image

Dickinson has announced that this spring the college will begin work to renovate the Holland Union Building (HUB). This multi-phase project is part of Dickinson's strategic plan, and one that President John E. Jones III ’77, P’11, promised to take on during his inauguration. Below is the message to the community about the project from President Jones:

To the Dickinson community:

I am pleased to announce that this spring, we will begin work to renovate the Holland Union Building (HUB). As you know, this is a project that is part of our strategic plan, and one I promised to take on during my inauguration as Dickinson’s president. The HUB renovation has been discussed for more than a decade and postponed repeatedly due to the large price tag. We are now ready to tackle this project in a phased and fiscally responsible way.

During the past several years, we have been laser focused on moving Dickinson forward, acting decisively to position Dickinson for an ever-changing future.

  • We’re raising scholarship funds to meet the demonstrated financial need of every student we admit.
  • We are engaging our alumni and families more intentionally to build community and benefit our students. The beautiful John M. Paz ’78 Alumni & Family Center is the first dedicated space of its kind on our campus, and its position on the corner, at the entrance to campus, is fitting.
  • Our new provost is working with faculty to continue to bring innovation to our academic program.

Now it is time to make another bold investment in our future—one that will impact the student experience.

After more than a year of analysis, we have developed a multi-year plan to address HUB renovations. It is an approach that allows us to make measurable updates while being fiscally responsible.

Phase One, which will begin this spring, will create an open floor plan for both the upper and lower levels, adding natural light to the dining hall and lobby and creating welcoming student-gathering areas. Also in this stage, we will begin to invest in dining hall improvements. The phase will transform both the Britton Plaza and College Street entrances to the HUB, making them more inviting and accessible. We will modernize the restrooms and create a new stairway to replace the spiral staircase.

Other important upgrades will be made to electrical systems and generators.

The first phase is scheduled to be completed in 2026.

Phase Two, which will begin in 2027, will include further investments in our dining facilities including the development of micro-restaurants.

I hope you are as excited as I am to get to work on these changes. This is a complex undertaking but one that we know is essential to enhancing the student experience. I applaud the team, led by Dave Walker, vice president for finance and administration, which has found a way forward that preserves our financial health and our ability to make other necessary investments in our people and our programs.

More information on current plans and further updates can be found here.

Sincerely,

John E. Jones III ’77, P’11
President

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Published February 9, 2024