RIT begins more than 100 summer construction projects to improve campus before students return

Rochester, New York – While Rochester Institute of Technology may appear quiet during the summer months, the reality behind the scenes is anything but. With students away and classrooms empty, RIT’s Facilities Management Services team is powering through more than 100 construction projects in a tight 12-week timeframe, all with the goal of transforming the campus before students return in late August.

According to Michael Dellefave, director of Construction/Project Management, the scale of work underway is both massive and time-sensitive. “It’s pretty amazing what the project managers and all the contractors are able to complete in a very short summer window,” said Dellefave.

These aren’t minor touch-ups or paint jobs. From complete overhauls of student housing to new academic spaces and high-profile performance venues, the projects stretch across every corner of the university. The effort reflects a deep investment in infrastructure and student experience.

One of the most significant changes coming this fall is the renovation of the University Services Center. What was once a scattered collection of essential student offices is now being consolidated into a single, state-of-the-art space. Student Financial Services, the RIT Service Center, and the ID Card Office will all operate under one roof—offering students a seamless, modern customer experience.

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“The project’s objective was to seamlessly integrate multiple essential functions,” said Marielle Santoriello, senior project manager. “The goal was to create an ambiance reminiscent of an Apple Store—clean, modern, inviting. Additionally, we aimed to encourage students, faculty, and staff to relax, eat, and work while they wait for support.”

Furniture installation is already on track for a mid-July finish, ensuring everything will be ready when students return for the fall semester.

Summer 2025 marks year three of RIT’s multi-year push to modernize its residence halls. This year, Helen Fish Hall and Carlton Gibson Hall are getting a significant facelift. Everything from lighting and ceilings to restrooms and lounges is being updated, with one of the most noticeable upgrades being the addition of air conditioning—something students have long been requesting.

In parallel, more than 400 rooms in Eugene Colby Hall and Gleason Hall are getting new doors and smart lock systems, a move aimed at improving security and accessibility. These improvements are all scheduled to wrap up by mid-August, just in time for move-in.

Big things are also happening in the arts. The university’s new music performance theater, still under construction, is progressing right on schedule. Set to open in January 2026, the facility will boast a 750-seat auditorium, dual balconies, and one of the largest functioning theater organs in the region—a restored piece with more than 100 years of history. The exterior will be completed by the end of this summer, while work on the interior continues into next year.

Meanwhile, RIT’s athletic facilities are getting a significant upgrade with the construction of Tiger Stadium. Built to support both lacrosse and soccer programs, the stadium will seat 1,180 fans and include locker rooms, a media suite, concessions, and a hospitality room with a glass viewing wall. The venue is already set to host the 2028 NCAA Division III Women’s Lacrosse Championship. While construction progresses, D Lot will remain partially closed until spring 2026.

Not all of the work is focused on student life and entertainment. Academic infrastructure is getting a boost as well, particularly at 175 Jefferson Road, formerly the Radisson Hotel. The building is being converted into a home for a new Occupational Therapy program. That project is expected to finish shortly after January 2026, expanding RIT’s capacity for health sciences education.

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On the NTID side of campus, classrooms are being upgraded to include new Zoom rooms with specialized lighting for interpreters, enhancing accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. In addition, early planning is underway for a new Student Support Center and a redesigned north entry, both of which are targeted for groundbreaking in early 2026.

Renovation efforts extend beyond the core of campus too. The RIT Certified space at Park Point is being expanded on the second floor, with the goal of accommodating growing educational programs. That project is set to finish by late fall, providing more flexible learning environments for future students.

Despite the scale and complexity of all the work happening on campus, there’s one area that won’t be affected: the roads. “No major roadwork is expected on campus this summer,” confirmed Dellefave. That means students, faculty, and visitors can return in the fall without unexpected detours or traffic delays.

As RIT’s summer construction push continues at full speed, the quiet stillness of campus belies the intensity of effort underway. When students return in late August, they’ll be greeted not just by familiar faces—but by refreshed dorms, brand-new service centers, and ambitious facilities designed to support a growing, evolving university.