by The Cowl Editor on August 31, 2017
Opinion
by McKenzie Tavella ’18
Opinion Staff
Each year, returning to the Providence College campus is different than the previous one. This is especially true for fall 2017 due to the countless renovations that are occurring.
Although the construction last year proved to be an annoyance to many students, between the early hours of loud jackhammering and the constant waiting for a tractor to cross the road before getting to class, most students agree that the burden of construction was well worth the benefits of the new buildings and landscapes on campus.
For example, construction of The Arthur F. and Patricia Ryan Center for Business Studies is one of the most major changes the PC campus has recently experienced. From its spacious atrium to the state-of-the-art classrooms, this building attracts business and non-business students alike for its modern layout and open design.
However, with this major architectural endeavor came huge construction undertakings as well. And while the construction did take considerable time to finish (and took away precious parking spaces), the end result brought many more benefits than burdens for both students and faculty.
From the quiet study spaces it provides—with many students describing the Ryan Center as a “second Slavin”—to the late night meal options offered, it has catered to students’ needs and expanded both studying and dining options on campus. And despite interrupting many students’ sleeping schedules with noise pollution, this new addition to campus has definitely proven its worth.
Two other changes catching the eyes of Friars on campus have been the redesign of Huxley Gate as well as the landscaping of Guzman Hill. With a revamped stone structure and a picturesque path, the new Huxley Gate unifies our campus layout. Guzman Hill’s transformation also includes new steps connecting upper and lower campus, bringing not only a major physical change, but also an emotional change to campus.
While not everyone experienced the frustration of these various construction projects during the summer, those who remained on campus during this season did. It brought about even more tractors, bands of yellow caution tape, and orange construction zone signs.
Undoubtedly, the last few months were strenuous to say the least, but all the agonizingly early mornings paid off given the end product.
Despite all the inconveniences, we should all consider ourselves lucky. Students no longer have to make the burdensome trek up Guzman Hill in a last minute rush to class.
Nor do we have to concern ourselves with cars speeding by in our travels between lower and upper campus. The process towards a refurbished PC campus definitely took its time, but fortunately for us, we get to experience the amazing end result.