6/15/2026
Dear Campus Community,
Summer provides the university with its best opportunity to complete construction, maintenance, and renewal projects while minimizing impacts on academic programs and campus activities.
This year, Facilities Services will undertake a variety of projects that support the university's strategic goals, address deferred maintenance needs, and enhance the campus experience. These investments are part of our broader commitment to responsible stewardship of university assets, helping preserve and modernize our facilities while ensuring they continue to support teaching, learning, student life, and campus operations for years to come.
Collectively, these projects will improve accessibility, modernize learning and residential spaces, preserve historic campus features, and strengthen the infrastructure that supports daily operations. Many of these efforts will also improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of campus facilities.
Accessibility Improvements
In partnership with the Student Accessibility and Accommodation (SAA) Office, we will improve restroom accessibility and door operations in select buildings. Our goal is to provide at least one accessible restroom with a power-assisted door opener in each building, helping create a more inclusive and welcoming campus environment.
Brick Stairway Restoration
Restoration work is underway on the brick stairways surrounding Jones Circle. The project includes masonry repairs, repointing, and selective brick replacement to improve safety while preserving the architectural character and heritage of these important campus pathways.
Learning Spaces and Interior Enhancements
As part of our ongoing classroom furniture upgrade initiative, several interior improvement projects will be completed this summer to create more flexible, welcoming, and student-centered learning environments that better support teaching, collaboration, and engagement.
Residential Housing Improvements
Deferred maintenance and renewal work will continue across student, staff, and faculty housing. Projects include roof improvements that will enhance weather protection, improve building performance, and extend the useful life of campus residences, helping provide safe and comfortable living environments.
Infrastructure Maintenance and Utility Improvements
A key project currently underway is the repair of the water line serving the Wheelock Student Center. This work will help ensure reliable utility service for students and campus operations. The project also includes restoration of the Event Lawn, improving the appearance, functionality, and usability of this important gathering and recreation space.
The university will also continue its high-voltage electrical conversion project, with work progressing at the Music Building and Collins Memorial Library. This multi-year initiative modernizes the campus electrical distribution system, improves reliability, supports future facility and technology needs, and strengthens the long-term resilience of campus infrastructure. In addition to improving reliability, these infrastructure investments support the university's sustainability goals by increasing system efficiency, reducing energy losses, and helping position campus facilities for future energy-management initiatives.
Access control systems will also be expanded in select buildings to enhance security and operational flexibility.
Ongoing Maintenance and Additional Projects
Additional campus improvements will include:
- Interior painting, roof replacements, masonry repairs, and exterior wood restoration
- Mechanical system upgrades that improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, and extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure
- Continued enhancements to classrooms, residential facilities, outdoor gathering spaces, and building accessibility that directly improve the student experience
- Modest programmatic renovations to support evolving campus needs
These projects are part of an ongoing effort to reduce deferred maintenance, preserve campus assets, and invest strategically in the university's future. Students will experience improvements in classrooms, residential facilities, accessibility, and outdoor spaces, while the campus community as a whole will benefit from enhanced safety, reliability, sustainability, and functionality.
Although some projects may create temporary noise, dust, or other inconveniences, Facilities Services is committed to minimizing disruptions and providing advance notice whenever possible. As summer progresses, we will share project updates and schedules with those most directly affected.
We appreciate the campus community's patience and cooperation throughout the summer and look forward to sharing updates as work progresses. If you have any questions, please contact Facilities Services at facilities@pugetsound.edu
Robert M. Kief, CFM, CEFP, SFP | Associate Vice President for Facilities Services