Renovation work on the Archives and Special Collections Building continues to make steady progress. As of July 23, 2026, the project was approximately 53% complete and has passed the halfway point in its overall schedule.
Construction crews are making progress both inside and outside the building. Brickwork is continuing around the southeast plaza, and new walls are being prepared and built in several areas. Interior work is also moving forward, including installation of upper-level walls, insulation, and other building systems such as plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling.
Additional milestones include preparation of the loading dock and generator area, installation of ductwork, completion of electrical work for the west entrance ramp, and installation of elevator door frames. Crews have also poured the concrete base for the west ramp, applied protective coatings to the plaza deck, installed equipment in the south mechanical room, and completed masonry work around the generator enclosure.
Throughout the building, work continues to prepare spaces for the next phases of construction as the renovation moves steadily toward completion.
In preparation for taking possession of the space in mid-2027, the university recently concluded a search for a qualified firm to assist with moving the collections into the facility. The first on-site planning meeting with the firm is being scheduled for this coming September.
