Gallaudet University continues to invest in improvements to our campus buildings, outdoor spaces, infrastructure, and student experience. The Campus Design and Facilities team is overseeing exciting campus construction happening now and in the future. Keep reading for updates on completed, ongoing, and future capital projects.
Completed construction
Carlin Hall renovation
The renovation of Carlin Hall dormitory was completed in July 2026. The project included improvements to building systems and interior spaces throughout the residence hall, providing students with a more comfortable, functional, and updated residential experience.
Fowler Hall renovation
Renovations to the third and fourth floors of Fowler Hall were completed in June 2026. The project included repairs to areas damaged by a burst water pipe during the winter of 2026, along with improvements to interior spaces. The completed renovation provides updated and improved spaces for students, faculty, and staff.
Construction underway
Research & Innovation Hub (RIH)
The former Merrill Learning Center is being transformed into the new Research & Innovation Hub, a modern space designed to support research, innovation, collaboration, and campus engagement. The approximately 74,000-square-foot building will include a new café, renovated spaces, upgraded building systems, improved upper and lower levels, and new landscaping surrounding the building.
Major demolition and preparation work has been completed, and construction is moving forward during the 2026 – 2027 academic year. RIH is anticipated to be completed in summer 2027.
Louise B. Miller Pathways and Gardens
Construction of the Louise B. Miller Pathways and Gardens is currently underway. The project will improve the outdoor environment near the Kellogg Conference Hotel through new and improved pathways, landscaping, gardens, and gathering spaces. Construction is anticipated to be completed in spring 2027.
Elstad Auditorium improvements
Improvements to Elstad Auditorium will provide a safer, more accessible, and more reliable facility for performing arts, academic programs, and campus events. The project includes upgrades to heating and cooling, electrical systems, theater rigging and equipment, a new accessible toilet room, and exterior storage for theater equipment and materials. Construction is anticipated to be completed in early winter 2027.
Central Chilled Water Plant Modernization
Gallaudet is modernizing the Central Chilled Water Plant, which provides cooling to buildings across campus. Much of the existing equipment is more than 25 years old. This multi-year project will replace aging cooling equipment, pumps, and controls to provide a more reliable and efficient cooling system for campus buildings. The first phase is currently under construction and is anticipated to be completed in spring 2027.
Multipurpose Room (MPR) improvements at I. King Jordan Student Academic Center (JSAC)
Campus Design and Planning is partnering with Student Engagement and Leadership, Student Affairs, and Gallaudet Technology Services to improve the JSAC Multipurpose Room. Improvements will include new flooring, paint, and lighting; replacement fabric for the folding partitions; and a new video wall to create an updated and more functional space for campus activities and events.
Benson Hall renovation
Benson Hall is undergoing a major renovation to improve student housing and replace aging building systems. The project includes renovated bathrooms, new plumbing, updated lighting, and improvements to interior spaces throughout the residence hall. These improvements will provide students with updated, more comfortable residential spaces while enhancing the building’s reliability.
Construction will continue throughout the 2026 – 2027 academic year, with the overall renovation anticipated to be completed in summer 2027.
Design and planning
10-Year Campus Master Plan renewal
Gallaudet University is developing a renewed 10-Year Campus Master Plan in partnership with Sasaki and MASS Design Group. The plan will establish a long-term vision for the physical campus and help guide future buildings, outdoor spaces, infrastructure, and capital investments.
Phase 1, which focused on understanding existing campus conditions and gathering community input, was completed in spring 2026. The plan is currently in Phase 2. Three concepts were shared with university leadership and the campus community during the first week of September. The final concept for the 10-Year Campus Master Plan will be shared with the campus community in November 2026.
The final phase will focus on developing the preferred plan and preparing it for submission to the DC Zoning Commission, anticipated in spring or summer 2027.
Ely Center replacement
Planning and design for the future replacement of Ely Center will begin in fall 2026. The first stage will focus on identifying future space and program needs and developing the overall vision for the replacement facility. Additional information about the project will be shared at a later date.
Circle of Signers restoration
Gallaudet is preparing to restore and preserve the historic Circle of Signers building. The project will address building deterioration, water infiltration, accessibility, safety, and aging building systems while protecting the historic character of the approximately 11,000-square-foot building.
The university has selected a design team that specializes in historic preservation and building envelope. The team will further develop the project and prepare it for future construction. The project is supported by a $750,000 federal Save America’s Treasures grant, matched by $750,000 from Gallaudet University, for a total anticipated investment of $1.5 million. It is expected to continue through 2029.
Library expansion at I. King Jordan Student Academic Center (JSAC)
Campus Design and Planning is partnering with the Library, Gallaudet Archives, and Gallaudet Technology Services to plan an expansion and improvement of the JSAC Library. The project will create additional study and collaboration spaces, improve book-stack areas, and better connect the library to the existing computer lab to create a more welcoming and flexible collaborative and learning environment.
Construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2027. Additional information will be shared as planning continues.
Moving Our Campus Forward
These projects represent Gallaudet University’s continued investment in improving our campus for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. As construction and planning progress, we will continue to provide updates on project milestones.
To keep up with the latest on Gallaudet’s campus projects, follow @deafspacedesign on Instagram.
