By AVIERY SHUCK ’26
Updated 11:50 a.m. EDT, 26 Sept. 2025
Houghton University (HU) is embarking on new renovations and upgrades. One of the biggest is Gillette Hall, which will be renamed East Hall in fall 2026. Vice President of Advancement and External Engagement Karl Sisson and President Wayne D. Lewis Jr. secured a gift of $10.4 million from Donald and Beverley (Roberts ‘56) Greene. The donation will be used to improve the residential living experience for Gillette residents.
The renovations are a part of the University Strategic Plan, Priority #3, “Capital Investment,” which focuses on modernizing residential areas. A major part of this plan is to improve accessibility, safety, security and privacy in one major residence on campus. Another part of this plan is to complete two previously paused capital projects that would improve accessibility, safety, security and aesthetics for the campus.
HU also submitted a grant proposal to New York State that would help advance campus wide security. The grant was accepted, but there is no set date for the project’s start. This project is expected to enhance existing safety measures, although more information on this will not be known until after the contract is in place.
When asked how the renovations will help students on campus, Vice President for Student Engagement Bill Burrichter said, “The updated facilities will significantly enhance accessibility opportunities through the addition of an elevator that will access all floors of the building, creating more accessible bathrooms and lounge spaces for students. A new roof, internal mechanical updates and new floors, ceiling tiles, paint and built-in furniture will provide for a comfortable and pleasurable environment for residents.”
Not only will Gillette be renovated, but the Health Center will also be getting new flooring, paint, ceilings, bathroom fixtures and cabinets. Additional renovation plans include a new pull-in area along the roadside of Gillette, as well as an outdoor lounge space. “The Gillette Hall renovation will improve the quality of the living environment for the women who will live in this residence hall,” Burrichter said.
Rachael Smith ‘26, a current Gillette resident, said, “I am very excited about the Gillette renovations. I am so grateful to the donors who provided the funds to make Gillette a safer place for us to live!”
Among the many new campus upgrades is a new laundry service. The previous laundry machines well exceeded the expected life of the machines. A new lease was secured with Caldwell and Gregory Laundry Services to provide more efficient and effective machines for the students. Each laundry room was updated with new paint and flooring, and the machines are now managed through an app called Speed Queen. Student Council President Thomas McGlynn ’26 said, “The laundry machine transition has sought to bring upgrades to the laundry machines as well as give students more information on availability.”
Kinley Construction and CPL have been working on Gillette since this past summer, and HU students can expect the Gillette renovations to be done by the end of Summer 2026. “We are also grateful to the patience of the students as we work together to complete this project,” Burrichter said. “We know that the interruptions have an impact and want to thank everyone for their understanding.”
