Hillsdale’s campus in Washington, D.C., is almost finished with the renovation of the Kirby Center after nearly two years of construction. 

The Allan P. Kirby Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship, the D.C. campus’ building for graduate students and undergraduates on the Washington-Hillsdale Internship Program, is now attached to the Van Andel Graduate School of Government building on the first and third floors, after construction began in March 2024, according to Executive Director of Washington Operations Andrew Heim. 

“Hillsdale’s growing programs in D.C. required more space. This campus is it,” Heim said in an email. “Everything was designed intentionally to serve the important work of teaching and learning that happens here at Hillsdale in D.C.”

Heim said the Kirby Center renovations include a new chapel, five seminar rooms, and 10 new faculty and staff work spaces. The lecture hall has new carpet, lighting, acoustic paneling, audio-visuals, and custom millwork. Crews also renovated the main lobby, entrance, and library. 

“Everything now has a beautiful and elevated feel that draws your attention to the important work being done here,” Heim said. 

Junior Olivia Eames, a student on WHIP, described the architecture of the building as “ornate, intentional, and tasteful,” and said the building felt like Hillsdale. 

“For me, living here during this time of growth for the college and the 250th anniversary of our nation inspires an even greater sense of patriotism and appreciation for both my country and college,” Eames said in an email. 

Junior Whitney Wilkinson, another student on WHIP, said she walked through the building, and her favorite room was the formal library. 

“It’s just beautiful,” Wilkinson said. “The shelving, the architecture — it’s like the Heritage Room, but with lighting.”

Senior Rebekah George, who is currently on WHIP, agreed the library is amazing. She said although it was completely furnished, there are no books yet. 

“I am so excited for it to be done,” George said. “Everyone on staff is super excited for it to be completed. They’re telling us that we’re all guinea pigs. I guess, in a sense, that’s kind of scary and nerve-wracking. But I think for the most part, it’s going to be really, really nice to have that space so close to the Hillsdale house.”

Eames said she is excited to have the beautiful area to share with other students. Since they live in different apartments, students on WHIP are more independent than students on campus, so the Kirby Center will be a great place to spend time together, according to Eames. 

“It’s really interesting to be the transitional generation of WHIP students,” Wilkinson said. “We’re kind of the first ones in the new building, in a more modernized version of the program as it’s developing, it’s pretty amazing to know that and be here during it.”

Heim said construction on the townhouses adjacent to the Kirby and Van Andel buildings is set to begin soon, and those will not be completed until later this year. These will be used for the D.C. undergraduate programs and student housing.  

“We hope folks will come to visit us and see this beautiful campus for themselves,” Heim said. “There is something special going on here, and we are excited to share it with everyone who comes through our doors.”