Reynolda campus capital investment updates

Continuing the President and Provost’s commitment to investment in learning spaces, a number of renovations and upgrades will occur this summer (view the Facilities Summer 2025 Projects map). 

Alumni Hall Renovations
Alumni Hall construction will begin in July as part of the Near-Term Space strategy to renew academic and student support spaces. Renovations will include flexible general-use classrooms, study areas, research and teaching laboratories supporting experiential learning, gathering spaces, and 75 faculty offices for the Entrepreneurship Program and Departments of Philosophy, Education, and Computer Science. Renovations are expected to conclude in Summer 2026.

University Police, Deacon OneCard, and Transportation and Parking will continue to occupy space in the north side of the building throughout the construction phase. Road and parking closures are not anticipated, however some parking may be impacted in Lots W2 and W3 throughout construction. 

Carswell Hall Renovations

Eleven general-use classroom renovations to support active learning, collaboration, and student-faculty engagement, plus minor updates to an additional four learning spaces. These classrooms will be back online for Fall 2025 classes. Carswell common areas and offices will be accessible during the summer.  

Additional Academic Upgrades 

The following academic spaces will receive upgrades this summer; minimal disruption is anticipated.  

• Greene Hall 5th Floor Restroom Renovation
• Kirby 108 AV Updates
• Manchester 018 Renovation and AV Upgrades
• Manchester 020 Renovation and AV Upgrades
• Wake Downtown Art Studio Upfit
• Winston Hall 054-239 Lab Upfit
• Winston Hall 242 Lab Upfit

Additional Closures and Disruptions

The following areas will also experience closures and/or disruptions.

• Collins Residence Hall: Closed for minor renovations; will reopen for Fall 2025. 
• Martin Residence Hall: Closed for renovations through December 2025. 
• Parking Lot F: Closed for resurfacing until mid-July.
• Reynolda Hall: Autumn Room, Heritage Room, and Dogwood Conference Room closed for renovations beginning May 20 and continuing through August. Stop-work requests will not be accommodated to ensure a timely re-opening of these spaces; avoid scheduling meetings in Reynolda Hall during this time. 
• Scales Fine Arts Center: Hanes Gallery closed for renovation and seminar room 214 will be split into two faculty offices. Access from the lobby to the art wing will be closed, all other entrances will be accessible. 
• Sidewalk between Polo Residence Hall and Polo Road: Closed until August 2025 due to construction at Polo Residence Hall.
• Water Tower Field: Closed following commencement for infrastructure upgrades and turf replacement and will re-open for the fall semester. 
• Z. Smith Reynolds Library: Renovations begin May 8 with major operational disruptions starting May 20 and continuing through mid-August. Access to the library will be limited with some services shifted to the west entrance to support students, faculty, and staff. 24/7 study space, locker access for loan retrieval, book return, and printing will remain fully operational. More information is available at zsr.wfu.edu/zsr-renovations-summer-2025. 

The Grounds Update

Significant progress continues on The Grounds. A key component currently underway is the realignment of Deacon Boulevard, which is scheduled to reopen in August. Working in coordination with the City of Winston-Salem and NC Department of Transportation, construction is anticipated to begin on a path from Faculty Drive to University Parkway to increase the connection between Reynolda Campus and The Grounds. 

Building Demolition 

The former Winston-Salem First Church building – located at the intersection of University Parkway, Polo Road, and Long Drive – will be demolished this summer due to the building’s unoccupied status, which could create safety concerns. The demolition is expected to take approximately 8 weeks and be completed by mid-August. The adjacent school building will not be included in the demolition. Looking ahead, the future use of this property and adjacent school building will be carefully considered as part of the Bicentennial Comprehensive Campus Space Plan. In the interim, following the demolition, the cleared land will be expected to be used as additional gravel parking.