Upgrades Announced for West Quad Residence Halls, Plank Gym and CUB Ballroom
The College released this graphic showing a mockup of renovations to West Quad. (Graphic courtesy Gettysburg College)
By Ella Prieto, Managing Editor
On Wednesday, President Bob Iuliano released a campus-wide email announcing facility upgrades to West Quad residence halls, the College Union Building Ballroom and Plank Gym’s lower-level basement. The Plank renovations will be completed in the spring semester while construction on the West Quad and CUB Ballroom’s renovations will begin in May.
Upgrades to West Quad residence halls, which currently host first-years, will include new accessible entrances, open-concept lobbies, increased privacy in bathrooms and new HVAC systems. The West Quad residence halls will also receive kitchens, which they currently do not have.
Each bedroom will also be upgraded with “new furniture, lighting and flooring,” according to the College’s website.
Stine Hall will be renovated from May to December 2025, followed by renovation in Paul Hall beginning in January 2026 and in Rice Hall beginning in May 2026. The College aims to have all West Quad upgrades completed by the spring of 2027.
The College also stated that first-year students “will continue to be accommodated in traditional residence halls” during the renovations.
These images show mockups of renovations coming to West Quad residence halls. (Image courtesy of Gettysburg College)
Plank Gym’s lower level basement is planned to receive a new eatery and bar, new social spaces and an outdoor beer garden which will be reservable on 25Live. The new campus eatery and bar “will be open late on Friday and Saturday evenings.” Plank’s renovations are planned to be completed by the end of this academic year, with the outdoor beer garden planned to open after spring break.
The CUB Ballroom will be upgraded with a new “pre-function space to support events,” a new area for catering, a new entranceway, “elevated aesthetic” and upgraded technology.
The College Union Ballroom will be unavailable for use this summer and in the fall 2025 semester while renovation is underway.
“The facilities upgrades will offer our students an ideal environment to foster community and to form lifelong connections and memories,” wrote Iuliano. “The spaces are thoughtfully designed to inspire meaningful interactions, promote personal growth, and create a sense of belonging.”
Iuliano thanked the Board of Trustees and the College’s Finance and Administration Division. He also specifically Associate Vice President of Facilities Planning and Management Jim Biesecker and his team, along with other members of the community who have contributed.
Iuliano concluded his email by explaining how these renovations are a part of the College’s continued work in bettering students’ experience, mentioning the two recently passed majors, the Strategic Direction, and other new initiatives.
“Especially given the many changes and challenges confronting higher education, I hope you take great pride in all that we are accomplishing together,” concluded Iuliano.
Additional information about these upgrades can be found on the College’s website.
This image show mockups of renovations coming to West Quad. (Image courtesy of Gettysburg College)
