First Year Tower Residence Hall

Updated August 3rd, 2026

Throughout August, work at the Pike Residence Hall project will focus on completing critical utility, infrastructure, and site preparation activities. Steam line relocation work for existing buildings will continue with installation, testing, insulation, and backfilling of the new steam and condensate lines. Utility crews will advance sewer, water, storm drainage, and electrical duct bank installations, including overnight work within the site and a planned water connection at Huntington Avenue. Crews will also complete restoration of the Edwards/Rodgers walkways, including paving, grading, and temporary site finishes. Site development activities include excavation for the stormwater infiltration system and the underground fuel storage tank (which serves the new building's generator), as well as asphalt removal and excavation for pile caps, grade beams, and the tower crane foundation. Additional project activities include installation of end-bearing steel piles, and setup and commissioning of the BOND office trailer complex near the corner of Huntington Ave and Ruggles Street.

This month will also see the start of construction of the exterior building mockup, which will serve as a full-scale test installation of key exterior building components before façade construction begins on the residence hall building. The mockup will include the slab-on-grade foundation, structural backup steel, a representative precast concrete panel with window, and the associated louver assembly. By constructing and reviewing these elements in advance, the project team can verify the appearance, fit, alignment, material quality, weatherproofing details, and constructability of the exterior envelope. Any necessary adjustments can be identified and incorporated before full production and installation, helping to reduce risk, avoid rework, and ensure the final building meets design and performance expectations.