An expansion of the health center and building a new upperclassmen dormitory were two of the college’s many summer construction projects.  

Construction at the health center included an addition to the back of the building with three new doctor examination rooms and two new consultation rooms, which the college’s nutritionist, psychiatric services, sports chiropractor, and strength trainer will use. Construction of a new therapy room is also in the works. After seeing an increase in students using the health center, the college decided to make an investment in renovations, Director of Health Services Brock Lutz said. 

“Renovations are progressing well,” Lutz said. “Contractors and the maintenance department are doing everything they can to ensure that work is mainly complete by the beginning of the school year and that we can be up and running the first week of classes.” 

The renovation will also include a multi-purpose room for group counseling, fitness and workout groups, strength training, and chiropractic services. 

The addition and the renovations will aid both students and clinicians who work at the health center, Lutz said. 

“We have had to limit services or access to certain services because of a limited availability of office space,” Lutz said. “I hope it also meets many of the needs that students have asked for in the last couple years: more access to the doctor, being able to meet in groups more effectively, and more all-around wellness services.” 

An additional dorm currently in progress next to New Dorm is expected to house upperclassmen, as well as students participating in summer outreach programs and camps. The college took down Brown House on Union Street to accommodate for the new dorm.

Construction for the 18,000 square foot, 57-bedroom dorm began in July and will finish by fall of 2023, Chief Administrative Officer Rich Péwé said. 

“This dorm will feature 25 rooms with two beds and one bathroom, as well as seven single rooms with one bathroom,” Péwé said. 

The dorm will also have multiple study spaces, lobbies, a fitness room, its own parking lot, and a patio, according to Péwé. 

This summer the Old Residence bathrooms also received a much needed remodel, said Rachel Marinko, house director of Olds. 

Marinko said many alumnae who visit Olds recognized the bathrooms because they look the same as when they were students. 

“Something I’m excited about is they got rid of the gross tubs,”  Marinko said. “Now there are three showers in each bathroom, which is great.”

The bathrooms were retiled and are a neutral color in place of the old yellows and blues, Marinko said. 

“I definitely think it will make it more comfortable for the freshmen,” Marinko said. 

Ingrid Dornbirer, former Olds resident assistant, said walking into the remodeled bathrooms made her feel thankful on behalf of the new girls moving in. 

“I have a lot of memories in the dingy bathroom from freshman and sophomore year,” Dornbirer said. “I am thankful the freshmen moving in get to have 2 a.m. conversations as they brush their teeth surrounded by smooth countertops and spotless mirrors.”

The college has plans to build a new 10-lane Mondo brand running track, as well as synthetic soccer, lacrosse, and intramural sports fields at Hayden Park. It also plans to renovate the baseball field and stadium by 2023, Péwé said.