With the construction costs of the $28.6 million Christ Chapel now completely covered, Hillsdale College is one step closer to the building’s completion in May 2019.
Construction for both Christ Chapel and the new dorm on Union Street next to Benzing Residence is on schedule, according to Chief Administrative Officer Rich Péwé.
The north wall of the chapel is the next area of focus for Weigand Construction in the building’s construction. It is also pouring concrete for the balconies this week.
“Pretty soon, they’ll close up the building,” Péwé said.
Although its construction costs are covered, the school is still working to raise money for the chapel endowment fund and other features it hopes to include in the building.
The unnamed dormitory finally got walls and a roof over winter break, after construction began on it in August. The crew finished the roof just after Christmas in below freezing temperatures.
“It seems like they’re really coming along with it,” said senior Macy Mount, Benzing head resident assistant. “At the beginning of the year, it was just a hole in the ground.”
For now, the dorm is still unnamed.
“Over-time proposals may be sent to friends who have expressed an interest in supporting student housing or this particular project,” Péwé said. “The college would name it once a significant lead gift was made.”
For now, the dorm is being financed with a loan from the college’s endowment. According to Péwé, the college will pay it back over time with interest.
The school still plans to add a café in the dorm.
“It’s got to at least break even,” Pewe said. “I’d love for it to happen, but you have to see if students will come.”
Péwé added that the dorm, which will house 56 beds, will be ready for student use at the beginning of next school year.
Renovations to Galloway Residence are also scheduled to begin at the end of the semester. The school plans to bring the interior up to the same standard as a new dorm. The renovations will cost $4 million, which is coming from the school’s surplus.
The school is also planning to expand Phillips Auditorium as a part of its second phase renovation of the Searle Center. The project is estimated to cost $5.6 million.
