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Phase 2 to bring behind-the-scenes upgrades and continued enhancements 

by Lauren Davidson

Dickinson has reached a major milestone in the renovation of the Holland Union Building (HUB), with Phase 1 of the project now complete and preparations underway for the next stage of construction. 

Launched in spring 2025, the HUB renovation is a multi-year effort designed to transform one of campus’s most central student spaces while minimizing disruption through a phased approach. 

Phase 1 focused on modernizing key areas to enhance accessibility, functionality and the overall student experience. Improvements included a redesigned dining hall with new serving stations and updated equipment, along with a more contemporary look throughout the space. The work also introduced a more open floor plan across both levels, allowing for increased natural light and improved flow between spaces. 

Photo by Dan Loh.

A new central staircase replaced the former spiral staircase, and additional student gathering areas were created to support collaboration and community. Within hours of furniture being added to the new living room space, students were already making great use of it. 

Photo by Dan Loh.

Updates to the Britton Plaza and College Street entrances made them more inviting and accessible, while restrooms and the social halls were also modernized. A new bronze seal was embedded in the resurfaced Britton Plaza just in time for Commencement, and many members of the class of 2026 participated in the tradition of stepping on the seal to mark their transition into the alumni community. 

Photo by Caroline O'Connor.

With these upgrades complete, the college is moving into Phase 2, which will focus on major infrastructure and operational improvements throughout the building, as well as additional dining enhancements across multiple campus venues. This phase will begin this summer with the installation of a new roof. 

“Once all of our design teams are onboard, we plan to engage with stakeholders across the Dickinson community—students, staff and faculty—to assist in programming the various spaces and ensure we design and serve Dickinson in a meaningful way that complements the first phase of the HUB renewal,” says Jon Brighton, managing director of campus operations. 

Phase 2 is expected to unfold over the next several years, with construction continuing in stages to limit disruption to campus life. Together, the completed first phase and upcoming work mark significant progress in strengthening the HUB’s role as a central space for student life at Dickinson. 

Simultaneously, the college started construction on the new Jim Thorpe Center for the Futures of Native Peoples and Sam Rose '58 Art Gallery.

TAKE THE NEXT STEPS  

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Published June 2, 2026