While life on campus has slowed down throughout the summer months, campus hasn’t been as quiet as one might expect due to ongoing construction projects that are continuing to make big progress.

“Our campus currently has a record amount of construction activity, and thanks to a dedicated team of Brock staff from multiple departments, we are able to continue to move these projects forward despite the COVID-19 pandemic challenges,” said Scott Johnstone, Senior Associate Vice-President, Infrastructure & Operations, Facilities Management. “I want to thank the team for their enthusiasm and hard work as we continue to deliver these projects in a timely manner for our students and the greater community.”

The Zone Expansion, DeCew Revitalization, Residence 8 and the Decew and Lowenberg dining halls are all major construction projects currently taking place on campus. All of the projects’ latest updates can be found below.  

The Zone Expansion

In March 2018, Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) held a referendum on the expansion of the Walker Sports Complex. The construction project will triple the size of the Zone, transforming it from 4,300 square feet into a two-level, 15,500-square-foot complex.

The project is being constructed in the Walker Courtyard and will expand on to the existing facility, creating the new fitness space. Currently, exterior cladding, the structural steel, new roof system, building tie-in (i.e. old to new), concrete floors including the ramp from the existing second floor to the new mezzanine and the glass curtain wall have all been completed.

The Expansion is set to be completed this fall.

DeCew Revitalization

The DeCew Revitalization project is in full swing. The renewal work between stairwells 10 to 18 (phase B) is almost complete. 

The next phase has begun on stairwells one to nine, which is expected to be completed in June 2021. This work requires parking Lot H to be closed for one year.  

Updates in this significant capital renewal project include: all new H-VAC systems, electrical, new bump outs adding social common spaces and sky lights brining in natural light, fully renovated bathrooms and new furnishings, paint and carpets in the residence bedrooms and lounges.

Next up is the occupancy of the newly renovated offices for the Department of Residences offices and Student Life, which will take place later this month.

Residence 8

The Residence 8 project will be completed in time for the Fall Term in 2021. This construction project will create six extra floors and 308 new beds, expanding Brock’s on-campus housing capacity to nearly 2,800 beds.

Currently, the team is in the midst of erecting the structural steel and elevator, mechanical rough ins and continuing with masonry work.

Once completed, the building will also house a 24/7 service desk for students and a hub for Conference and Event Services.

DeCew and Lowenberger dining halls

Brock’s dining halls, DeCew and Lowerberger, have both begun full transformations to an All Access Dining program. Both locations are currently under a complete renovation that will expand the serveries and seating areas. This includes all new millwork, floor and wall finishes, equipment and new dining stations within.

In addition to these updates, the dining room furniture will also be refreshed to expand the capacity of the dining halls.