APRIL FOOLS’: This article was published as part of The News-Letter’s annual April Fools’ edition, an attempt at adding some humor to a newspaper that is normally very serious about its reporting. This is not true.
On March 31, the University announced a two-year renovation plan for the Milton S. Eisenhower (MSE) Library Annex, formerly the Hopkins Club. This project is part of the MSE Library Modernization Project that started in June 2024.
In an email sent to the student body, the University provided a timeline for MSE Library Annex renovations. Constructions are projected to begin in June 2025 and expected to be completed by June 2027. During the construction period, all services at the MSE Library Annex will be shut down.
According to the email, key renovation priorities for the MSE Library Annex include redesigning the interior, modernizing the collection and introducing a new coffee shop named Bloomberg Cafe on the ground floor.
Additionally, new spaces will be added to support student well-being. Particularly, a rage room will be constructed to replace what is now West Gate Garage. Therapy dogs will also visit the renovated MSE Library Annex weekly for students to relieve stress.
In an interview with The News-Letter, a Student Affairs spokesperson commented on the new construction plan.
“The renovations for the MSE Library Annex is a continuation of the MSE Library Modernization Project, which aims to modernize the library resources on the Homewood Campus,” he said.
He stressed the Office of Student Affairs’ commitment to prioritizing students’ needs, highlighting the mission behind the new stress-relief zones. He also provided information about study spaces for students once the renovations begin.
“Students are welcome to study at Nichols House,” he said, referring to President Ronald J. Daniel’s residence. “It is close to the MSE Library Annex.”
To accommodate more students, study cubicles will be provided in Nichols House, and students will have 24-hour access to the building throughout the week using their J-Cards. Late-night snacks from the Danielses will also be provided in Nichols House.
A Q&A event is scheduled for Friday, April 4 in Gilman 50 to address students' questions about the renovation plan. The event will take the form of a town hall meeting.
Students interviewed by The News-Letter expressed mixed feelings about the new MSE Library Annex renovation plan. Concerns arose regarding the construction timeline.
“As a junior, I’d laugh at anyone who believed in the timeline they gave out,” said Samuel Gomez, a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering. “They said the Student Center would open last fall, and it’s still under construction. At this rate, I expect my future grandkids to be the first ones to enjoy the new Annex.”
Carol Liu, a freshman majoring in Economics, expressed her worries about finding study spaces.
“I already struggle to find a quiet place to study, and now with the Annex shut down, it’s going to be even worse,” Liu said. “Brody Cafe is already packed.”
Other students were more optimistic about the changes.
Fabio Fong, a sophomore majoring in Civil Engineering, expressed their excitement about the new rage room and the therapy dog visits.
“I would love to see more stress relief sites in this school, especially ones that are close to libraries where students have mental crash outs,” they said. “I think it’s a great update for our campus.”
Nathan Chase, a senior majoring in Biomedical Engineering, provided positive opinions about the Bloomberg Café addition.
“I don’t really study in the Annex, but if they’re adding a café, that’s a win,” Chase said.
Chase also shared his enthusiasm for the opening of Nichols House.
“Late-night study sessions in Nichols House sounds cool,” he said. “I would love to live in there during finals week.”
In a follow-up statement, the University spokesperson reassured students that efforts will be made to minimize disruptions.
“At this point, students are probably already used to construction plans, so there is no reason at all to overreact,” he said. “Yes, there will be noise. Yes, there will be detours. But at least you will know where your tuition is going.”
