Following the first module of summer studies programs and in advance of the August 2018 opening of the new Robert A. Wild, S.J. Commons, Marquette University will cease residence life operations in McCormick Hall. The building’s first floor dining space will undergo minor modifications to make it available for student groups as meeting and rehearsal space — a service that was temporarily lost with the build-out of the on-campus Sendik’s Fresh2GO store.
“Temporarily keeping McCormick available in this very limited capacity gives us the flexibility to offer student groups meeting and rehearsal space while we seek a longer-term solution for that important need,” said Dave Lawlor, executive vice president for operations. “To capitalize on operational efficiencies, demolishing McCormick Hall will occur in conjunction with a future construction project on that site.”
Lora Strigens, vice president for planning and strategy, agrees and says the strength of the Campus Master Plan gives the university the latitude necessary to make smart decisions on the best uses of space. “In developing the Master Plan, we were thoughtful about contingencies and the need to be nimble to address current realities,” she said.
As part of the first-floor modifications, which will begin this summer, the university will repurpose some furniture and other installations in Schroeder Hall.
“This is absolutely the best use for McCormick Hall at this time,” said Dr. Xavier Cole, vice president for student affairs. “We have the opportunity to provide our students with much-needed space, while also being mindful of efficiencies. It’s a win-win scenario.”
According to Cole, only select space on the first floor of the building will be available to students who will have 24/7 access via their Marquette ID cards. The space will not be staffed, he added, but it will be monitored by security surveillance and patrolled regularly by the Marquette University Police Department.