Taylor Tower sits empty after shutting down in January. The residence hall is set to open for the Autumn 2028 semester. Credit: Reegan Davis | Managing Campus Editor
Two north-campus dorms have begun renovations this semester to modernize the buildings, with a goal of making them available to students by the start of the autumn 2028 semester.
The university Board of Trustees approved the construction projects during a Sept. 3 meeting. The board approved $145 million for Drackett and neighboring Taylor Tower, which closed in January 2026 after flooding from a burst pipe prompted the relocation of 700 students.
Construction fences have been placed completely around the two buildings and will remain in place for the next two years.
In addition to Drackett and Taylor, fencing will go up around Jones Tower at the end of this semester, university spokesperson Dave Isaacs said in an email. Jones Tower will be fully demolished in 2027, according to a university Facility Design and Construction website.
According to a July update published from Melissa Shivers, the Senior Vice President of Student Life, some of the pedestrian walkways directly around Taylor and Drackett are closed, but there are multiple paths available throughout the North District.
“If you find yourself in the North Residential District, just a friendly reminder to be aware of your surroundings and watch for construction traffic in the area,” Shivers said in the update. “I am Scarlet and Grateful to all who will be advancing these important projects in so many ways.”
Interior and exterior renovations for the two buildings include fully replacing the plumbing systems, heating and air conditioning systems and fire protection. The residential floors will be renovated with new lounges on each floor, according to the update.
Student rooms and furniture will be updated throughout the buildings. Common areas will be expanded to offer more space for group activities and study sessions, the update stated.
Taylor Tower’s front entrance — which required stairs and a ramp to get to the first floor — will be relocated to ground level to improve accessibility and make it easier for students to enter the building.
Before the flooding occurred at Taylor Tower, the three towers were supposed to go under interior and exterior renovations and reopen by August 2030, per prior Lantern reporting.
