Although the Class of 2027 can still not be certain of having hot breakfasts, they can now rest more assured knowing they will probably not be living in walk-throughs during their time at Harvard. The College administration renewed its commitment to start its 15-year project to renovate the upperclassman houses by 2012 this week. While seemingly everything else at this university is suffering from cutbacks as a result of the budget hardships brought about by the financial crisis, it’s encouraging to see that this project will continue on schedule.
In light of the fact that the university has experienced a 30 percent drop in its endowment and a decline in tuition and donation revenue, it is admirable that it has managed to keep financing for the housing project in order. We have been told repeatedly over the past few weeks that recovery from the financial fallout will not be rapid or easy. It is heartening that, despite this reality, the university remains committed to this massive endeavor.
This is welcome news since, as guided by the Housing Renewal Report released last spring, the proposed renovations promise to help address many of Harvard’s most pressing issues. Notably, the remodeling attends to the lack of social spaces within houses. Dining halls will no longer be the only place to hold large functions, and the Junior Common Rooms will no longer be the only student “hangout” space in the house. Aside from improving social spaces, many of the report’s recommendations, such as eliminating walk-throughs, remodel Harvard’s archaic designs in ways that ensure greater student privacy and well-being.
The reaffirmation of the construction schedule means that at least some current freshmen will sleep under a newly renovated roof before they graduate. Many current students were involved in the creation of the report. Even more students have discussed or debated housing renewal at some point. Therefore, it is an exciting prospect that our generation of Harvard students will have a tangible connection to its realization.
Of course, the College must not forget that housing renovations must be coupled with the creation of desirable swing space. No student should feel as if they cannot partake in house life because of the unlucky timing of their college years. Housing renewal need not come at the expense of a satisfactory living experience for some students.
Housing renewal is a promising investment in the future and it is encouraging that it will move forward as planned.
Read more in Opinion
The Status QuadRecommended Articles
-
Houses Renewal To Review Climate ControlAdministrators saythat heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and accessibility will all likely be included in House renewal.
-
Old Quincy: A Test ProjectCome 2013, when the first stage of a series of renovations across the Houses is complete, gone will be the walk-through room setup and cramped quarters that plague so many inhabitants of Old Quincy.
-
Harvard College Social Spaces To Undergo RenovationThe renovations will freshen up several social spaces in the Houses and the Student Organization Center at Hilles.
-
Cabot Café to Reopen with Better Space, Cheaper Prices
-
Cabot Café Reopens Following RenovationQuad-based caffeine addicts can once again get their fix in the basement of Cabot House E entryway at Cabot Café, which re-opened Monday night. The café, which started last spring, has been closed since December for renovations.
-
Harvard To Upgrade Science Center Plaza