Find Out Here What's Under Construction On or Near Campus
Subscribe to receive notifications of construction updates.
September 28, 2021
Building 3
Lab renovation
Renovation of a suite of first-floor lab space is underway for the creation of the Newman Lab in Building 3. Full construction activities are underway with crews working Monday through Friday, 6AM-3PM. Some weekend and evening work is expected. This renovation work will generate some noise from construction activities. This project is scheduled through June 2022.
A temporary partition wall has been set up in the first-floor corridor outside rooms 3-135, 3-143, 3-145, 3-149, 3-153 and 3-165 that has narrowed the hallway, though the corridor will remain accessible. The partition is scheduled to remain in place through the end of December.
Questions may be directed to Brian Donnellan.
Service elevator renewal
Beginning Tuesday, June 1, the freight elevator in Building 3 is scheduled to be removed from service for renewal. Work will include installing new equipment and a new cab. Anticipated construction hours are 6AM to 2PM, Monday-Friday, with some noisy work scheduled during the earlier morning hours.
Most of the work will take place in the elevator machine room, elevator shaft and vestibules; no impact to the corridor is anticipated, but access to the elevator vestibules will be restricted to MIT Facilities and construction personnel. Signage will be posted. Any associated shutdowns will be announced in a separate notification. This project is scheduled through early 2022.
Questions may be directed to Brigid McCauley.
Office suite renovation
On Monday, July 26, demolition of the existing spaces in suites 3-107 and 3-138 is scheduled to begin. Work hours are daily from 6AM-2PM. Noise is anticipated during construction, with high level of noise and vibration concluding by 8AM daily. These activities will be contained within the rooms. This project is scheduled through the end of October.
Questions may be directed to Gianna Salvaggio.
Building 3 ziggurat restoration
Beginning Saturday, September 4, crews are scheduled to assess the ziggurat roof structure of Building 3, weather permitting. Crews will be present on the roofs of Buildings 1 and 3 throughout this process. Some intermittent, low-level drilling, cutting, and chipping noise is expected during this time. Anticipated hours are 5AM-2PM daily, with noisy work completing by 8AM. This exploratory work is scheduled to take place from September 4 through September 17.
Questions about this work may be directed to Gianna Salvaggio.
[to top]
Building 4
Work is underway to refinish the basement corridor floors in Building 4, in addition to two small exterior foyers in Buildings 8 and 10. Initial work includes removing the existing wax with handheld grinders and vacuums. Some noise is anticipated. No corridor closures are scheduled during this work.
Beginning on Saturday, September 11, and continuing for four weekends, flooring in the basement corridor of Building 4 and small portions of Buildings 8 & 10 are scheduled to be installed. Work is scheduled from 7AM on Saturday through 7AM on Monday. During each weekend, a portion of the hallway and any adjacent freight elevator or stair on the basement level will be inaccessible except as emergency egress. Occupants are encouraged to use the passenger elevators and stairs in Buildings 2, 6, 8, and 10. This work is scheduled through early October.
Questions may be directed to Bill Mackie.
[to top]
Building 5
The entry stair to Building 5 at 55 Massachusetts Avenue is undergoing repair work. Anticipated hours of work are weekdays from 7AM-3PM. The area will be fenced off from the sidewalk, and the stair will be inaccessible during this necessary masonry maintenance work. The sidewalk along Mass Ave will remain accessible. Intermittent noise from saw-cutting, chipping hammers, and a generator are expected. Signage will be posted. The work in scheduled through November.
Questions may be directed to Alexander Campbell.
[to top]
Building 6
Several spaces located on the fourth floor of Building 6 are scheduled to be renovated to create a new lab. On Monday, August 30, demolition of the existing space is scheduled to begin. Work hours are weekdays from 6AM-2PM, with occasional night and weekend hours. Noise and dust are anticipated during construction, with high level of noise and vibration concluding by 9AM daily.
Occasionally during construction, crews will complete work outside of the space, including areas in the basement, on the third floor, and on the roof. A dumpster will be placed outside in the southern area of Eastman court near Buildings 2, 6 and 14. This project is anticipated to last through the end of September. See the attachments for locations.
Questions may be directed to Julie Azzinaro.
[to top]
Building 14
Several offices and a classroom located on the second floor of Building 14 are scheduled to be renovated. Demolition activities are currently underway in rooms 14-209, 14-211, 14-213, 14-217, and 14-221. Anticipated work hours for this project are Monday through Friday, 6AM-3PM. Heavy noise is planned to conclude by 9AM, with some occasional light noise for the duration of the work day. The adjacent corridor will remain accessible. Construction is scheduled through the end of November.
Questions may be directed to Biss Teelucksingh.
[to top]
Building 37
In order to create a new student space and conference room, a suite of rooms on the second floor of Building 37 has been redesigned. Demolition of the existing space is currently underway. A temporary partition wall has been set up in the second-floor corridor that will narrow the hallway, though the corridor will remain accessible.
Anticipated work hours are weekdays from 6AM-3PM. Some noise is anticipated during construction, with high levels of noise and vibration concluding by 8:30AM daily. No hallway closures within Building 37 are anticipated. This project is scheduled through the end of September.
Questions may be directed to Julie Azzinaro.
[to top]
Building 42
Construction of the medium temperature hot water (MTHW) structure addition to Building 42 is underway. Anticipated construction hours are 7AM – 3PM, Monday through Friday with some weekend and evening work expected.
Two-way traffic will be maintained on Vassar Street. After the enabling phase is complete, demolition activities will begin. Cranes, lifts, and saw cutting equipment will be used to perform the demolition operations and materials will be hauled offsite. Noise and some vibration are anticipated during this work, but will not be extensive.
Questions may be directed to Eric Ammondson.
[to top]
Building 42C: Central Utilities Plant
Construction is underway on an upgrade to MIT’s Central Utilities Plant, which includes the construction of a building on the former N10 Annex Parking lot. Hours for this work are 7AM – 5PM Monday-Friday with some weekend and evening work expected.
The project is scheduled to conclude in 2021.
Phase 3: Interiors, streetscape
Most activities take place inside the building during this phase, with interior fit out and finalizing and testing system installations. Exterior streetscape and landscape work will include new lighting for public walkways as well as new public seating, trees, and other plantings.
Construction activities
Construction hours are 7AM – 6PM Monday – Friday and 7AM - 3:30PM on Saturdays, with some additional weekend and evening work expected.
Building 42 alley/fire lane closure
The alley/fire lane between Building 42 and the railroad tracks is closed to through traffic for the remainder of the CUP construction project. During this time, the lane will be impassable to vehicles and pedestrians. Pedestrians are encouraged to use the Vassar Street sidewalk. The pedestrian path across the railroad tracks connecting Albany and Vassar Streets will remain open during construction.
Visit the Powering MIT site to learn more about the project and to view updates.
For regular updates, subscribe to the weekly construction forecast emails.
Questions about this work may be directed to Frances Boyle.
[to top]
Building 44
Construction activities are underway as MIT proceeds with the College of Computing on the site of Building 44. As part of its mission to enhance the student experience, the project will establish a home for the new College of Computing.
Below you’ll find an overview and high-level schedule for the major phases of construction. Anticipated construction hours are 7AM – 3PM, Monday-Friday with some weekend and evening work expected. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
Foundation activities
During this phase, crews will install foundational sheet piles. This work will be noisy and will involve a vibratory hammer to drive the sheets in place. The noise will be intermittent throughout the day, but loud when sheets are being driven. Vibration is anticipated during construction hours. Foundation activities will run through September 2021.
- Two-way traffic will be maintained on Vassar Street. Construction vehicles will travel through the area.
- The railroad crossing from the Albany Street garage (N4) will be initially maintained, though a brief closure will be scheduled as construction proceeds.
- The project team will coordinate with other projects along Vassar Street to maintain access around the site.
Future phases
After the foundation work is complete, construction of the College of Computing building will begin. Cranes, construction vehicles, and large trucks will be used to assemble the structure and deliver materials. Noise and some vibration are anticipated during this phase. More information about schedules and dates will be shared as the project progresses. This project is scheduled through the fall of 2023.
See the latest two-week look ahead.
Questions may be directed to Travis Wanat.
[to top]
Building 54
As part of the Institute’s investment in infrastructure renewal, work is underway to renew Building 54. This work includes replacing the roof system, and restoring the façade and building systems. Preparatory activities for this work are underway with various building testing. Construction hours are 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, with some overnight work expected. During this construction, noise and vibration are expected.
Construction is underway throughout Building 54. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are being demolished from the top floors down, and the bathrooms are undergoing demolition from the second floor up. All restrooms have been closed for the duration of the project.
Anticipated work hours are from 7AM to 3:30PM daily. The construction vehicles and crane will be entering and exiting the site through the courtyard via Ames Street through the driveway behind Building 50. A police detail will be onsite to direct pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
See an overview of the project from the 2019 townhall here.
View the latest townhall presentation here.
See the latest two-week look ahead.
Questions may be directed to Megan Kefalis.
[to top]
Buildings E14, E15, and E23 pathway
Temporary trailers have been installed in the courtyard between Buildings E14, E15, and E23. The pathway between Buildings E15 and E23 will remain accessible to pedestrian traffic.
Questions may be directed to Camille Mekdeci.
[to top]
Building E25
On Monday, July 26, a lab and office renovation is scheduled to begin in Room E25-235. Anticipated work hours are weekdays from 5AM-1:30PM. Heavy noise is planned to conclude by 8AM daily, with some occasional light noise for the duration of the work day. These activities will be contained within the room. This project is scheduled through the end of September.
Questions may be directed to Gianna Salvaggio.
[to top]
Building E40
Construction activities are underway in rooms E40-418, 420, 428, 430, 432, 434 and 435 to create new offices for the Center for International Studies. Anticipated work hours are 6AM-3PM, with some evening and weekend work anticipated. Heavy noise is planned to conclude by 8:30AM daily, with some occasional light noise for the duration of the work day. These activities will be contained within the rooms. This project is scheduled through mid-September.
Questions may be directed to Julie Azzinaro.
[to top]
Building E55 surface lot
In an effort to improve utilities in the area for current and future development, MIT has closed the Hermann Garage, surface lot, and a portion of the Main Street walkway to the north of Building E55 for construction. Excavation activities are underway and a vacuum truck will be utilized; noise is expected. Work hours are 7AM – 6PM Monday to Friday, with potential for additional weekend hours.
During this work, pedestrian and vehicular access across the surface lot will be prohibited. Pedestrians will be rerouted down Wadsworth Street, along Main Street, and in front of Building E62 to access the headhouse for the Sloan Garage. Vehicular access to the Sloan Garage will be maintained through the E62 driveway, though the location of the path will be shifted throughout the project.
Police will be onsite to direct vehicular, cyclist, and pedestrian traffic. Signage will be posted. Please be aware and use caution when traversing the area. See the map for detailed information regarding the initial fence location and pedestrian detour.
Driveway shift
Beginning mid-September, the drop-off area and pedestrian pathway at the entrance to the Building E62 driveway is scheduled to shift. Crews are installing fencing around the surface lot adjacent to Buildings E62 to establish the new construction perimeter. A new driveway and sidewalk are being paved to enable separate access from construction vehicles. Vehicular access to the Sloan Garage will be maintained through the area, though the location of the driveway will be shifted. Police will be onsite to direct vehicular, cyclist, and pedestrian traffic. Signage will be posted. Please be aware and use caution when traversing the area.
Wadsworth path closure
In continuation of the sitework in the area, the pedestrian pathway on Wadsworth Street between Site 3 and Building E55 is scheduled to temporarily close. The pathway will be continuously inaccessible while trenching and utilities construction activities occur. Pedestrians will be detoured around the area down Hayward Street, along Main Street, and in front of Building E62 to access the headhouse for the Sloan Garage. Access to the E53 plaza ramp from Amherst Street will be maintained.
Typical work hours are 7AM – 6PM Monday to Friday, with potential for additional weekend hours. Police will be onsite to direct vehicular, cyclist, and pedestrian traffic. Signage will be posted. Please be aware and use caution when traversing the area.
Questions may be directed to Holly Sutherland.
[to top]
East Campus: Kendall Square Initiative
For the most up-to-date information about the Kendall Square Initiative, visit the courbanize project profile. Click the “Follow” button to sign up for an account and receive notifications about the project.
MIT is proposing to bring new vibrancy and diversity to Kendall Square - "the most innovative square mile on the planet." MIT is now poised to deliver a dynamic blend of uses in this area, including housing, lab and research space, retail, innovation space, open space, and a dedicated facility for the MIT Museum. Learn more about the Kendall Square Initiative.
Construction in Kendall Square kicked off in September 2016. Ultimately, this visionary project will deliver a dynamic blend of uses in the area, including graduate student, market rate, and affordable housing; lab and research space; innovation space; retail and open space; and a new facility for the MIT Museum. Construction hours are scheduled for 7AM – 6PM weekdays, and Saturday from 9AM – 6PM.
Questions about the construction phase of this work may be directed to Holly Sutherland.
Visit the courbanize project profile to review details about the planned activities and to subscribe to construction updates. Subscribe to notifications by clicking the “Login” button at the foot of the “Comment here” box to sign up for an account, and then “follow” the project.
Patient parking for MIT Medical will remain available.
- MIT Medical will validate parking for patients. (Cars exiting the lot without validation may incur a $40 fine.)
- Cars that are in the lot for more than two hours are subject to towing. If patients have appointments that exceed two hours, MIT Medical will contact the Parking Office on their behalf.
MBTA Kendall Station work
The MBTA has commenced work at the Kendall Square inbound train station. Access to the station is scheduled to be maintained throughout construction. Signage will be posted directing users to alternate entrances. The renovation and modernization of the Kendall Square inbound MBTA station is scheduled through 2022.
General Construction Updates
- Access to Wadsworth Street from Main Street is closed to all traffic. The Sloan and Eastgate lot entrance is closed at Wadsworth Street. Construction vehicles and equipment will continue to be set up and operate in this area and at the intersection with Wadsworth Street.
- Police details will be utilized throughout the project area to assist with pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
- Large equipment will be removed and brought to site on and on-going basis. This activity may occur after hours but no disruptions are expected.
- General construction activities will continue on Saturdays. Work will occur within the City of Cambridge allowable work hours, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
See the map for more details.
Questions about the construction phase of this work may be directed to Holly Sutherland.
[to top]
East Campus, Medium Temperature Hot Water
A project to install Medium Temperature Hot Water to the East Campus is underway. Updates about the project as it progresses through the area can be found below.
Buildings E51 & E52
Crews are currently working at several locations on multiple floors in Buildings E51 & E52. As part of this project, work is expected to regularly extend into the evening and weekends. Crews are scheduled to be onsite on weekdays from 6AM through 4PM, with possible night and weekend hours extending until 2AM. No disturbance outside these buildings is anticipated during extended hours. This project work is scheduled to continue through early September.
Scaffolding installation at Buildings E40 and E51
Beginning the week of September 7, crews are scheduled to install scaffolding on the Amherst Street façades of Buildings E40 and E51 to begin construction of the MTHW project across the pedestrian bridge. Anticipated hours for this work are 7AM-3PM. This project is scheduled to continue through the end of November.
During this project, scaffolding will be erected on both sides of the street. A covered pedestrian pathway will be installed in front of Building E40, and the sidewalk will remain open and accessible around the site in front of Building E51. Bicycle parking currently located adjacent to Building E51 on Amherst Street will be removed from service, and cyclists will be redirected to the racks up the ramp in the E51 parking lot.
Amherst Street will remain open to vehicular access. Any work which may interrupt or impede traffic will be scheduled for the weekend. Police will be onsite throughout this operation. Signage to direct pedestrians and cyclist traffic will be posted.
Questions may be directed to Seth Kinderman.
[to top]
Building NW13
Beginning Tuesday, September 7, storm drain repair work is scheduled to occur on the Albany Street sidewalk in front of Building NW13. Work hours are 7AM-3PM each day. High levels of noise are expected. This project is anticipated to continue through the week.
Vehicular traffic on Albany Street will remain open and accessible in the area, and the construction area will be cordoned off; pedestrian and metered parking access will be impeded. Pedestrians will be rerouted around the work area. Police will be onsite to help direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Signage will be posted. See the attached map for the location. Please be aware and use caution when traversing the area.
Questions about this work may be directed to Cori McKee.
[to top]
Building W4
Manhole renewal work along Amherst Street adjacent to Building W4 is underway. Scheduled hours are Monday through Friday between 8AM – 4PM. Noise from machinery is anticipated. This project is scheduled through the end of October.
During this work, traffic on Amherst Street will be reduced to a single lane; two-way traffic will be maintained, though east/west traffic will be intermittently stopped. The work area will be cordoned off during working hours and plated over in the evening. The sidewalk will be inaccessible, and pedestrians will be directed around the area. Several street parking spots will also be unavailable. Police will be onsite to direct traffic in the area. Please be aware and use caution when traversing this area.
Questions about this work may be directed to Cori McKee.
[to top]
Building W18: Music Building
Construction activities are underway as MIT proceeds with a new Music Building on and around the site of the Kresge parking lot (behind Building W16). As part of MIT’s mission to enhance the student experience, the project will provide highly advanced performance, rehearsal, and music teaching spaces as well as music technology resources such as a makerspace, research lab, and production labs.
Foundation activities are currently underway, with pile driving activities scheduled for September and October. Below you’ll find an overview and high-level schedule for the major phases of construction. Construction hours are 7 AM – 6 PM, Monday through Friday, with some weekend and evening work expected. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
Kresge Parking Lot closure
Kresge Parking Lot has closed. Visit the Parking & Transportation site to view alternate lot locations. View additional parking information for DAPER visitors.
Excavation and foundation work (Fall 2021)
Foundation work is underway. During this phase, the Kresge parking lot and the surrounding area will undergo demolition, and excavation for the new music building’s underground garage will begin. The foundation of the music building will include driven sheet piles. Noise and some vibration are anticipated during this work. Trucks will deliver materials and remove debris from the site along Amherst Alley and through the alleyway between Johnson Athletic Center and Steinbrenner Stadium.
Learn about the new Music Building
To learn more about the project, visit the Capital Projects site.
See the latest two-week look ahead.
Contact
Questions about this work may be directed to Sarah Yazici.
[to top]
Building W41
Work is underway in the Metropolitan Warehouse, Building W41. Through August 2021, crews are scheduled to repair the interior foundation. Work hours are scheduled for weekdays from 7AM – 4PM. Some noise and increased truck traffic are anticipated during this project.
Construction vehicles and large trucks will occasionally be on site to deliver materials. During these deliveries, the traffic pattern in front of the site along Vassar Street may be altered, and police will be present to direct pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicular traffic.
Questions about this work may be directed to Brian Donnellan.
[to top]
Building W51
Work is underway to renovate Burton Conner, Building W51. Work hours are from 7AM-5PM weekdays, with occasional weekend and evening work anticipated. Burton Conner is expected to reopen for occupancy in August 2022.
Traffic will increase in the area as construction vehicles will be entering and exiting the site from Amherst Alley, Fowler Street, and Memorial Drive throughout the day. Pedestrians will be redirected around the site and MIT police will be present to direct traffic.
Burton Conner’s renovation will consist of some interior demolition. High levels of noise and vibration are anticipated throughout this process. The result will include ADA compliant upgrades, new windows, a new roof, façade repairs, and new mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems, as well as a refresh of interior finishes throughout. The building will remain unoccupied throughout construction.
Questions may be directed to Kevin Carr.
[to top]
Building W91
Work is underway to renovate Building W91. The project will begin with the installation of a fence around the building. Work hours are weekdays from 7AM-4PM. Some noise is anticipated. Building W91 is expected to reopen for occupancy in late January 2022.
Traffic will increase in the area as construction vehicles enter and exit the site from Audrey Street and Amesbury Street throughout the day. Signage to direct pedestrians and traffic will be posted.
Questions about this work may be directed to Gerhard Sinani.
[to top]
Albany Street closure
Traffic patterns have shifted at the site of the new Ragon Institute project. Albany Street is inaccessible to vehicular traffic from the intersection of Portland and Albany Streets to the entrance of the Albany Street Garage. This closure is scheduled continuously through the end of construction in 2023.
This proposed closure will occur from the intersection of Albany and Portland Streets to the entrance of the MIT Albany Street Garage (Building N4). Traffic will remain two-way from Main Street to the entrance of the Albany Street Garage (Building N4). The sidewalks along the site on Portland Street and Main Street will be removed during this time. The pedestrian path, located between the Albany Street Garage and the CUP construction site, will not be affected by this project. Signs will be posted to direct pedestrians around the area.
See the map for more information.
Questions about this work may be directed to Steve Allen.
[to top]
