Harvard’s Historic Building Boom

Assembling the science and engineering complex in Allston (with work on the district energy plant distantly visible to the rear of the site)

Image from the SEAS Construction Cam

A mock-up of the science complex exterior

Courtesy of SEAS

A further detail of the mock-up

Courtesy of SEAS

John Harvard, general contractor, was flat-out this summer—in all seriousness, perhaps the University’s busiest building season. Marquee projects include assembling the future home of much of the engineering and applied sciences faculty (shown above). Construction was halted during the financial crisis, in early 2010; the new facility, redesigned in a smaller footprint, is to open by the 2020-2021 academic year. Work also began on the district energy plant that will serve the area. Mockups of the science complex’s façade, shown in the photo carousel above, suggest the detailed construction ahead. Meanwhile, Harvard Business School’s sidewalk superintendents had plenty to watch at Klarman Hall (below), the future conference center, where the applied scientists will no doubt be welcomed. The former Holyoke Center’s rear entry was razed during its makeover into Smith Campus Center; surrounding streets gave way to heavy work on Lowell House, and finish work at Winthrop, including new faculty-dean quarters—all part of undergraduate House renewal (shown in the photo carousel below). In addition (though not shown): Lavietes Pavilion will reemerge for fall baskeball; the Sackler Museum is being renovated for new users; and Soldiers Field Park renovation continues. And smaller nips and tucks, as at Grays Hall in Harvard Yard (for a serenity room and BGLTQ offices), were undertaken, too.


Klarman Hall takes shape.
Photograph by Jim Harrison

Click here for the September-October 2017 issue table of contents

Read more articles by John S. Rosenberg

You might also like

Trump Administration Threatens Harvard’s Accreditation, Subpoenas Student Records

The federal government mounts pressure amid negotiations with Harvard.

Trump Administration Alleges Harvard Violated Student Civil Rights

In a court filing, the University says government has ignored procedure to “inflict pain.”

John Goldberg named Dean of Harvard Law School

A professor at HLS since 2008, he steps up from the interim role.

Most popular

Harvard’s Hiring Freeze Continues

University leaders say $1 billion per year is at risk due to federal actions

Harvard Layoffs Continue, with More to Come

In the wake of federal government actions, several Harvard schools and institutes are cutting costs.

Five Questions with Jacob Roberts ’19

The actor and filmmaker on creativity, collaboration, and celebrity canines

Explore More From Current Issue

Your Guide to Summer 2025 Along Boston Harbor

Enjoying Boston Harbor’s Renaissance this summer

Garber, Trump, and the Fight for Harvard’s Future

Introducing a guide to the issues, players, and stakes.

The Woman Who Rode Horses Into the Water

Scrapbooking a woman who rode horses into the sea