Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Howard University Launches $785M Campus Master Plan

  • By Matt Jones
  • 02/09/23

Howard University in Washington, D.C., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for significant renovations to the 109-year-old Myrtilla Miner Building, according to a news release. The renovations mark the first step in a $785-million campus master plan that includes the construction of three new academic buildings and renovations to others by 2026.

After the restoration is complete, the Miner Building will become a shared space for interdisciplinary education between the Howard University School of Education and the Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science, the news release reports. The Miner Building was originally built between 1913–14 and has a place on the National Register of Historic Places for both its historical and architectural significance. The press release reports that the three-story building has gone almost unused for decades because of its need for renovations.

“This really is a full-circle moment in Howard’s history,” said Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA. “As we embark on this venture to create a space that meets the needs of the 21st-century classroom, a space that connects educators and students at such critical moments in their subsequent learning journeys, we recognize the significance of being able to do that in a building that holds a legacy of educating some of the nation’s first Black teachers. Moreover, as we work to preserve that legacy, we also understand the importance of preserving the most beautiful and historic parts of the physical space, through the halls of which countless changemakers have crossed.”

The renovation work will preserve the building’s hallmark architectural features including two-story arched windows, limestone baseboards along the corridors, and two grand staircases. Most of the work will be improving the building’s interior.

“The restoration of the Miner building represents an exciting step in our journey to revitalize Howard University’s campus,” said Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Rashad Young. “We have a fantastic team of dedicated builders, architects, and project managers led by our Real Estate Development and Capital Asset Management (REDCAM) division that will ensure this project does justice to the incredible history of this building, and that it is set up to provide the School of Education and Middle School a top-tier educational experience.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • El Paso District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    The Canutillo Independent School District in El Paso, Texas, recently announced that construction has begun on a 119,000-square-foot elementary school, according to a news release. The district partnered with Pfluger Architects, Carl Daniel Architects, and LDCM Solutions on the new Davenport Elementary School, which has an expected completion date of 2027.

  • California K–12 District Finishes Renovations on Multi-Sport Stadium

    The Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) in Alameda, Calif., recently announced the completion of a renovation project on the Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School stadium, according to a news release. The district partnered with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and Bothman Construction on the facility, and funding came from Bond Measure B.

  • Moline-Coal Valley School District to Consolidate Two Schools into New Facility

    The Moline-Coal Valley School District in Moline, Ill., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff from two existing schools, according to local news. Robert Ontiveros Elementary School will serve as the new home for Lincoln-Irving Elementary School and Willard Elementary School.

  • UT System Approves First Funds for New Campus

    The University of Texas System Board of Regents recently approved funds to build the first facility of a new campus in far west Fort Worth, Texas, according to university news. UTA West will serve as a branch of the University of Texas at Arlington and is scheduled to open in fall 2028.