As you probably have heard previously, we have a critical need for additional space in the College for faculty offices, a large classroom for introductory undergraduate courses, and team rooms, in particular.

I’m pleased to announce that the University has given approval for us to proceed with fundraising for a plan we’re calling “H to A” — a three-floor expansion to the north end of Mendoza that will connect the two north buildings, filling in the space behind the Jordan Auditorium. The new building is expected to cost about $15 million.

Here are a few features currently in the plans:

• The first floor would primarily be focused on undergraduate spaces, including:
  • A large, wide, shallow classroom seating 167 (modeled after the Geddes Hall lower-level auditorium) for teaching undergraduate principles courses.
  • Improved exterior entries to the College as well as better access to the lower levels.
  • Wide hallways on all floors allowing easy access to and from the northeast (McGlinn) and northwest (Kelly) buildings.
• The second floor will consist of an extension of the Dean’s Office Suite and urgently needed faculty offices and staff workspaces.
• The third floor will contain more faculty offices.

There are additional spaces yet to be designated. We are interested in your ideas! Doug Franson is chairing a committee to seek student, faculty and staff input. Please send comments via this form.

I’m thankful to Doug Franson, University Architect Doug Marsh and Notre Dame project specialist Andrew Lechner, who have been instrumental in creating the proposal for the new building.

I also want to thank Chris Henderson, his wife Holly and stepdaughter Madison who once again “decked the halls” and transformed Mendoza into a Christmas wonderland over the weekend.

In Notre Dame,

Martijn