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Improvements to Concordia’s Henry F. Hall Building enter the next stage

The 4th floor renos will include new classrooms and centralized IT services
November 16, 2021
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By Sylvie Babarik


Computer generated graphic of people in an institutional hallway. Rendering of the renovations by architectural firm Provencher_Roy. | Image courtesy of Provencher_Roy.

The fourth floor of the Henry F. Hall Building is being transformed. Over the past few months, Facilities Management demolished decades-old offices and classrooms, opening it up to a future of natural light and modern spaces.

“If you like what you see on the new Hall 6, you’re going to love Hall 4,” says Michael Di Grappa, vice-president of services and sustainability at Concordia.

“We’re building for our community more inclusive spaces, big, bright classrooms, a consolidated IT service centre and plenty of hang-out zones for students. Those on the sixth floor have been really well received.”

In-person focus

“The pandemic forced many of us to adapt to remote learning, teaching and work, but also taught us to further value our shared campus spaces,” says Marie-Claude Lavoie, associate vice-president of Facilities Management.

“We will be delivering two new amphitheatres, three 90-person classrooms and two large, active-learning classrooms.”

In addition to the teaching and learning areas, the new Hall 4 will feature accessible, gender-neutral washrooms, like those already in use on Hall 6.

“We know that we still have work to do on making our campuses more universally accessible. But these spaces are an important step in the right direction,” Lavoie adds.

IT services for the community

Concordia members are heavy technology users. When things break down, or when new skills are required, it’s reassuring to know where to find help. Currently, Instructional and Information Technology Services (IITS) serves the community from different locations. However, once Hall 4 is complete, those needing in-person assistance or wanting in-person training can head to one location.

“The east section of the floor will serve as a nerve centre of IT help. Software support teams, repair services and even instructional teams will be based out of Hall 4. They will even oversee a new computer lab there,” Di Grappa says.

Work implications and timelines

Work on the new spaces will mean some temporary inconveniences. There will be noise, though less than in the previous months when demolition was underway.

There are also times when escalator service will be disrupted — notably in November and December. The construction of new walls around escalators will shut down service heading downward. During those weeks, people who can use stairs are encouraged to do so and leave elevators to those with accessibility needs.

When work is complete, likely by summer 2022, units will begin to move in and technological equipment will be installed. The plan is for a reopening to students for fall 2022.


Work on the Henry F. Hall Building may be well underway, but there is still time to help shape future construction projects.

Take part in reimagining Concordia’s indoor and outside spaces by submitting ideas to the Campus Master Plan engagement platform.

 



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