As the fall semester comes to a close, several major construction and renovation projects remain ongoing around IU’s Bloomington campus.
The School of Public Health and Bill Garrett Fieldhouse began construction in the fall of 2024 according to Adam Theis, the IU associate vice president for capital planning. He said the project is set to continue until early 2026, and the work will be conducted in phases.
He said work is currently in the first phase on the west side of the School of Public Health. Theis said renovations to the school and the fieldhouse will consist of systems upgrades to windows and mechanical systems, as well as interior upgrades to classrooms and other spaces in the building.
According to IU’s capital projects website, the renovations are a part of the Wells Quad and Public Health renovations, with a budget totaling $89.5 million coming from state funding. The website states that due to the age of the buildings, repairs are needed to create more energy-efficient systems, install air conditioning and update student spaces. The estimated completion date is June 2026.
Theis said another major project was to renovate the Music Addition Building to revamp the music practice and studio spaces. He said it is due to be completed next summer for occupancy and would reopen in the fall for student and faculty staff use.
The other renovations on Wells Quad are to Morrison and Sycamore Halls to modernize their HVAC system, building systems and restrooms. Wright Quadrangle is also being renovated to upgrade air conditioning, electrical systems, plumbing, security, fire protection systems and student spaces. The total budget for the Wright project is funded internally with a budget of $51.9 million.
Theis said the process of construction, from getting the funding for a project to completion, could last anywhere from three to five years, resulting in an unavoidable interference with student life.
“We work with our contractor teams to try and have as clear of communication as possible related to when areas are closed off,” Theis said. “Try and have clear signage that directs people away from congested and or constructed areas. But there is inevitable disruption.”
He said that an exterior project nearing completion is the tennis court renovation at the southeast corner of 17th Street and Fee Lane.
“The tennis courts now are going to be more functional related to other sports, so basketball, pickleball and some other activities will be on that facility,” Theis said. “It’ll be ready for spring use when springtime comes, when warmer weather comes.”
A utility repair to a steam line is also taking place on the street in front of Ballantine Hall, which Theis said should be completed in the next few weeks.
