Every year, immediately following the spring commencement ceremonies, Penn State’s Office of Physical Plant (OPP) begins its summer construction and renovation projects at the University Park campus. A list of all projects set to begin or end during the summer has been compiled below. 

OPP provides an interactive map of all construction projects to help residents minimize any inconveniences these projects may create. Unfortunately, the site is currently down for maintenance.

Set For Completion

• The Physics and Osmond Renovation Project is slated to complete its construction phase in August 2025, and the new “high-bay” research facility will open its doors shortly after the fall semester begins. 
• Initial renovations for the Sackett Building are set to be completed in June 2025, though the additions have no set completion date at this time. 
• The West Campus Steam Plant’s facade improvements are expected to be completed in late April of this year. 
• Hamilton Hall will complete its bathroom renovations in August 2025, before the semester begins.

Roadways, Sidewalks, & Parking

• Atherton Street, from the College Aveune intersection to Westgate, will undergo major renovations this summer, including reconstruction in some parts and resurfacing. Expect road closure for the majority of the summer and some lane closures afterward, folks. 
• Sidewalks on the campus side of College Avenue will be renovated and reset in the following sections: Atherton to Burrowes, Allen to Fraser, Shortlidge to Garner, Mcallister to Hiester, and Locust to Sowers. 
• The West Deck parking garage will begin much-needed renovations this summer, with pass holders relocated to other lots. Contact the Parking Authority for details.
• Sidewalks leading to the library will be closed intermittently throughout the summer and the following semester due to resurfacing and new paths. Pedestrians are encouraged to walk on the grass.
• Student parking lots 83, 81, 22, and 42 will be resurfaced during the fall semester. Lots will be worked on one at a time, with no estimated completion date. While being painted, pass holders are asked to park elsewhere. The administration holds no responsibility for finding a new lot, as stated in the parking contract.

Minor Renovations

• All Pollock Halls dormitories are receiving air conditioning upgrades over the summer since they will not be renovated during the upcoming academic year.
• The HUB will undergo several renovations on the Old Coaly memorial, moving it to a more high-profile location in the building.
• Bathrooms in the Osmond Building will begin renovations in July, replacing the outdated toilets and urinals.
• Findlay Commons’ computer lab is being upgraded with state-of-the-art technology, including high-speed workstations, OLED monitors, and a few five-pound weights for screen breaks.
• Lighting upgrades for Headhouse I and III are planned for this summer. Both buildings will be closed for the entirety of the break.
• A leak in the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor will be addressed promptly in July, when technicians can be spared to attend to it. Avoid the southeast region of campus until further notice.
• Family bathrooms with diaper changing stations will be installed in the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor building in May.
• All East Halls are scheduled for a remodel, updating the air conditioning and adding full kitchens to each floor. Work is slated to begin just before the fall semester and will last until 2028.
• The Boucke Building is getting air conditioning, and work should be completed by July.
• A Neeli Bendapudi statue is set for installation in front of Old Main. Work is expected to be completed as soon as possible, as this takes precedence over all other projects.

Major Renovations

• Old Main’s roof is set to be replaced with a new solar panel one, promoting Penn State’s green initiative.
• Renovations on McElwain and Simmons halls will commence promptly in August and will fully renovate a single floor with air conditioning, private bathrooms, an arcade room, and extensive study areas. The remaining floors of each building will remain untouched for residents.
• Penn State’s underground tunnels will undergo renovations to accommodate student use during the winter. Updates include the necessary structural improvements and accessibility enhancements to ensure safe and efficient passage.
• The Sackett additions are planned for renovation in August 2025. Sidewalks surrounding will be closed for the duration of this construction.
• Extensive fumigation is planned for the following buildings: Pattee Library, Music Building II, Buckhout Laboratory, the Hammond Building, the Willard Building, Paterno Library, and Music Building I. Minor fumigation is also planned for Headhouse II, Deike, Westgate, and Reber.
• The Carnegie Cinema, located in the Carnegie Building, will be fully remodeled this summer. The room will get new high-quality seats, an IMAX projector, a revamped sound system, and a dedicated air conditioner for the room. The remodel is expected to begin on May 4 and last no more than a week.
• The Westgate Building’s major renovations will begin, with the much-anticipated James Franklin Drawbridge as its main focus.
• The Osmond Research Facility’s updates and renovations will begin promptly after construction completes on the building itself.
• General rehabilitation work is scheduled to take place at or near numerous facilities this summer, including the Visual Arts Building, the Burrowes Building, the Carnegie Building, the Pond Laboratory, and the Sparks Building. To accommodate the construction crews involved, all buildings will be closed for entry.
• Asbestos removal is planned for mid-May in the following buildings: the HUB, the Bryce Jordan Center, the Pattee & Paterno Libraries, and the IM Building. To avoid inconveniences, these buildings will remain open throughout the process.

Editor’s note: This story is part of Onward State’s April Fools’ Day series. It is satirical, meant for entertainment, and not to be taken literally. Any quotes were made up for the purpose of this post.