Fall 2026 Campus Improvements

Across Howard's campuses, students, faculty, and staff are returning to renewed learning environments, expanded student services, improved residential amenities, and new places to gather. This page highlights visible improvements for the 2026-2027 academic year and links them to the larger capital programs shaping Howard's future.

Investing in Student Success

Across schools, colleges, and student-service environments, Howard is renewing the places where students learn, create, receive guidance, and prepare for their careers. The work ranges from completed relocations to phased renovations opening around the start of the academic year.

  • Cathy Hughes School of Communications Facilities Modernization: A completed multi-site relocation and renovation program has created modern classrooms, production spaces, broadcast environments, and administrative offices.
  • Building 40 Renovation: Phased renewal is bringing advising, career services, instruction, and other student-facing functions into a more cohesive campus destination. Phase 1 renovations were completed in August 2026; the Yard-facing first-floor phase is targeted for spring 2027.
  • STEM Renovation Program: Chemistry phase 3 is substantially complete, further Biology improvements are planned, and work is ongoing at Thirkield Hall.
  • School of Business Second-Floor Renovation: Active work is improving teaching and student-support spaces within the School of Business building.
  • Fine Arts and Communications Renovation Program: Renovations to the first three floors and the elevator upgrade are complete, and the Ira Aldridge Theatre is in use. Basement and remaining building-systems work continue, with full occupancy planned for Spring 2027.
  • Ralph J. Bunche Data Center Modernization: Howard's campus-wide network transition is complete, creating a stronger digital foundation for teaching, research, administration, and campus life while remaining physical-space and office-turnover work advances.

Renewing the Residential Experience

Howard's Residence Hall Reinvestment Program is pairing near-term amenity improvements with a substantial, multi-year renewal of Cook Hall, Drew Hall, and Bethune Annex. Cook Hall is closed for the 2026-2027 academic year while its active renovation phase advances. Drew and Bethune are planned to follow in sequence, allowing Howard to renew major residential assets while maintaining housing continuity.

Looking farther ahead, Wonder Plaza will transform a historic Georgia Avenue site into a new destination for student housing, dining, wellness, retail, and gathering. The project will strengthen campus life while contributing to the energy and vibrancy of the surrounding community.

Current assignments, move-in guidance, maintenance routes, and residence-life policies remain available through the Student Affairs housing website.

The Future of Health and Science

Building on Howard's historic designation as a Research 1 university, the University is advancing a new generation of health-science, clinical, and research environments that support discovery, education, and service. Several coordinated, multi-year projects are moving that work forward.

  • New Howard University Hospital: Enabling and early construction work are active, advancing a modern setting for patient care, clinical education, research, and community health.
  • Walter Reed Building 7: Construction is transforming the building into a new research environment that will expand Howard's capacity for scientific partnership and discovery.
  • Pharmacy and Health Sciences Relocation: Initial Pharmacy functions occupy 640 Massachusetts Avenue, with laboratory completion targeted for April 2027 and some functions continuing at Cooper Hall during the transition.

What to Expect This Fall

Students, faculty, and staff will see renewed spaces opening in phases as final furniture, technology, commissioning, and departmental moves are completed. Construction will also remain visible at several active project sites, including Wonder Plaza along Georgia Avenue. Operational notices affecting access, traffic, parking, or building use will be distributed through the appropriate University channels. Project pages will be updated periodically as progress continues and milestones are confirmed.

Project schedules reflect current targets and may change as work progresses. See individual project pages for the latest updates.