700 Commonwealth Avenue
Warren Towers, BU’s biggest traditional-style residence, which was built and occupied in the mid-1960’s, will undergo a large-scale, phased full renovation of all three towers and the fourth floor, beginning in early January of 2025 and completing in the summer of 2028. During the winter months, each elevation will be fully staged in preparation to begin the remodeling work at the start of each year’s respective summer session. Each tower will be taken offline and unoccupied for a ~15-month duration and scheduled to be turned over to be opened for the start of next year’s fall semester.
The project is registered with the certification goal of LEED Gold®. The Warren Towers renovation— and all major renovations and new construction projects at Boston University—pursue LEED Gold® as outlined in the University’s Climate Action Plan.
On the Exterior
The entire exterior façade will be fully scaffolded and wrapped with a covering to receive a complete masonry repair and restoration. All windows will be replaced, and additional insulation will be added to the exterior walls and roof areas to meet current energy codes. All roof areas and roof drainage will be replaced.
On the Interior
Each student room and lounge will be completely remodeled, including new walls, floors, ceilings, doors, lighting, and electrical devices. Each residence room will have air conditioning.
Hallways and corridors will receive all new wall, floor and ceiling finishes, and lighting.
The existing bathrooms will be removed and replaced with private, accessible all-gender, bathrooms throughout. New services and systems will also be installed, like new plumbing, new IT infrastructure, and new security systems. The dining hall will be fully remodeled and will receive all new cooking equipment, serveries, furniture, and finishes.
Milestone Schedule
Tower A – Completion and turnover fall semester of 2026 (planned for August 11, 2026)
Tower B – Completion and turnover fall semester of 2027 (planned for August 10, 2027)
Tower C – Completion and turnover fall semester of 2028 (planned for August 8, 2028)
Dining Hall – Completion and turnover fall semester of 2026 (planned for August 20, 2026)
News and Updates
Weekly updates are available in the “Project News & Alerts” section at the bottom of this page.
October 2024 Town Hall Presentation
November 2024 Town Hall Presentation
November 2024 Information Session Slides
November 2024 Information Session Recording
Warren Towers (Boston, MA)
Project Team
BU Project Management: AIA, John Barton, David Flynn & Michelle Maheu (Campus Planning & Operations); Paul Riel (Auxiliary Services)Contracted Project Management:LeftField Project Management
Project Executive:Matt McBurnie, mmcburnie@leftfieldpm.com
Project Manager:Corey Davidson, cdavidson@leftfieldpm.com
Architect:Miller Dyer Spears Inc.
Structural Engineer: Souza, True & Partners, Inc.
MEP, F/P Engineer: R.W. Sullivan Engineers
Civil Engineer: Nitch Engineering
Construction Manager: Shawmut Design and Construction