Construction for the Tom Benson Jesuit Center is currently at a standstill until a decision is made regarding the plans. The university has two options available to them.

Fr. Ted Dziak, S.J., director of the Jesuit Center, said they can either tear down or renovate the building affectionately known as the “old library,” which has not been used since 1999.

“No definitive decision has yet been made by the President as to which Tom Benson Jesuit Center building option will be chosen,” Dziak said.

According to Dziak, a renovation would be an in-depth process because the stacks that currently support the building would have to be replaced with steel beams or the building would collapse.

The option of tearing the building down is also on the table. “Plans for a new building are

being drafted, and they will be compared. New options are being explored,” said university president the Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J.

According to Wildes, there is no set timeline on construction.

Dziak hopes to present plans for both options to the board of trustees and have a decision by December.

“Fr. Wildes will make a decision as to which option will be followed. He will then notify the board and the Loyola community. It is expected to have a decision by Christmas,” said Dziak.

He also said if a decision is made in December, construction on the center could potentially begin sometime during the spring.

The Tom Benson Jesuit Center will be home to the Ignatius Chapel and the Offices of Mission and Ministry and University Ministry.

Hannah Iannazzo can be reached at [email protected]