First published on May 28, 2019 on the Black House Renovations Project Update on the Campus Inclusion & Community website.
The construction bid process has begun, and our team continues to work with our student, alumni, faculty, and staff communities on a number of issues, including a temporary Black House location.
After a thorough vetting process involving students, staff from multiple campus units, and Black House Renovation Steering Committee representatives, we are pleased to confirm that during construction, The Black House will be temporarily located in 1856 Orrington, a small residence hall (designed in a house-like fashion) in the south quadrangle area of housing. This location was selected for a number of reasons, including:
- It meets all of the “must haves” for a temporary location, including programming space, hang out space, gender open restrooms, program accessibility, and space for current Black House staff and student organizations.
- It includes some additional amenities that will be in the renovated Black House as well, including a pantry space.
- The location allows The Black House to be more closely connected to the MCC, and is in closer proximity to the current Black House location.
- Student representatives shared that the space feels “more like a home” and would meet the needs of the Black community well during the renovation.
Thanks the Black House Renovation Steering Committee; to Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) for their significant work in identifying the must haves for a temporary location, and also connecting student representatives to the project; Mark Francis from the Provost’s Office and Carrie West from Facilities Management for their expertise and counsel, and Residential Services for their assistance and flexibility. Most importantly, we would like to thank ASG representatives, MSA student staff, and FMO representatives who helped make this happen.