As students return to school this semester, they’re being greeted by two large construction sites.
The construction in progress includes the Chapel of St. Ignatius and the Gayle and Tom Benson Jesuit Center, and a new residence building that will sit where Mercy Hall once was.
The chapel, which Loyola began constructing in the summer of 2022, has had several delays. As the new semester begins, little progress has been made.
Simultaneously, the university announced and began the construction of a new residential hall.
University spokesperson, Rachel Hoormann, said some issues that prevented the continuation of the chapel construction include coordinating with subcontractors and procuring materials to get ahead of any supply chain issues. As well as installing underground services like power and chilled water, and creating the frame for pouring the foundation.
Hoorman said the lack of construction workers was due to concrete having to be set.
“This was more complicated than for other construction projects due to the circular shape. It takes time for concrete to set, so there were periods while it was setting where there was less visible activity on the site,” said Hoorman.
Hoormann also said that the chapel is on track to be completed in late spring of 2024, as past University Interim President Justin Daffron told the Loyola community earlier this year.
The construction of the new residence hall does not interfere with existing projects, Hoorman said. She added that there are different project managers and construction firms for each project.
Hoorman said the impact of the dorm construction will be minimal with regard to campus operations, and that construction will primarily occur on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. but there may be some work on Saturdays.
Both of these new buildings offer chances to help benefit students’ experience at Loyola, Hoorman said.
“The chapel will become the hub for spiritual life on campus and will be an inspirational space for people of all faith traditions,” Hoormann said.
The new residence hall will have benefits to student life as well by offering the opportunity to renovate older halls and provide an apartment style living while still remaining on campus, which are in high demand, she said.
“Both projects – the new residence hall and the Chapel of St. Ignatius and the Gayle and Tom Benson Center – are tremendous steps forward to enhancing the student experience,” Hoormann said.
