There have been a lot of changes on campus over the summer. But the change most students have noticed is the large patch of green space where the Grad House used to be.
Last month, demolition crews took down the aging Grad House on the corner of University Avenue and LeMarchant, in preparations for its move to a new house across the street at 1252-1254 LeMarchant Street. Unfortunately, renovations to the new facility are only now getting underway, meaning that there wonât be an open Grad House for the fall term.
âItâs been slower than we would have hoped, but weâre glad itâs moving forward,â says Patrick Bonnick, president of the ±«Óătv Association of Graduate Students (DAGS). âCurrently the timeline weâre looking at is for renovations to be finished around the end of November, with our grand opening shortly thereafter or first thing in the winter term.â
The new space will be a bit more intimate and will also feature a new dining option on campus. CrĂȘperie Mobile, whose crĂȘpes are a hit every Saturday at the Halifax Farmerâs Market, will be setting up shop in the new location.
But DAGS recognizes that the Grad House was a favourite haunt of many students, faculty, staff and alumni and are doing their best to make sure that it maintains its classic feel. Several features from the old building â including lamps, furniture and light fixtures â are moving over to the new building.
âWe want to keep that âhome away from home,â that welcoming feel to the place,â says Mr. Bonnick. âWe want that personal connection people have to transfer from building to building, for sure. And weâre optimistic that it will.â