In the days following Virginia Tech’s spring commencement on May 12, construction crews will begin a $21.5 million project to renovate O'Shaughnessy Hall.

In addition to upgraded furnishings, the renovation will include the installation of an air conditioning system, more community spaces, and a unique glass-enclosed stairway that will face a newly landscaped exterior courtyard. The renovations will be consistent with the design style of Pearson Hall.

O'Shaughnessy Hall was built in 1966 and housed 341 students during the 2016-17 academic year. The new floorplan calls for rooms for 335 students, a faculty apartment, five faculty/staff offices, a classroom, a community living room, and a faculty meeting area. The 69,211-square-foot residence hall is located on Washington Street close to Lane Stadium and Cassell Coliseum.

When the building reopens for the 2018-19 academic year, it will be the Residential Leadership Community, one of Virginia Tech’s fifteen living-learning communities.

Living-learning communities offer students the unique opportunity to live with other students with similar interests, such as the arts, service, or innovation. Each living-learning community at Virginia Tech is led by a faculty member who is responsible for coordinating educational programs, fostering academic engagement, and enriching the residential college's unique culture.

The project is expected to be completed in August 2018. The architect/engineer for the renovation is Moseley Architects, working in collaboration with Lord Aeck Sargent. The contractor is W.M. Jordan Company.

To learn more about Virginia Tech’s 15 living-learning communities, visit the Housing and Residence Life living-learning webpage. New students may apply to live in a living-learning community online. Contact living-learning programs, or Housing and Residence Life for more information.

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