Preparations for the start of the John Deutsch University Centre (JDUC) revitalization project are underway.

As the two-year project is set to begin in May 2022, current occupants, including the Alma Mater Society (AMS), the print centre, and numerous student clubs are being relocated to other areas of campus over the next six weeks.

The AMS and the Society of Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS) are among the first offices to change locations and began moves to the LaSalle Building on Monday, April 4. Student clubs will be among the next to relocate into the Rideau Building. The AMS Printing and Copying Centre (PCC) — a space frequented by campus community members — will operate out of an interim space in the Queen’s Centre.

Once the moves are complete, wood hoarding will be erected around the site, and construction will start in the early summer. Pedestrian routes will be maintained along both University Avenue and Union Street. Access to the adjacent Mitchell Hall and the Queen’s Centre will be uninterrupted.

“The planning for this project has been complex with a diverse group of stakeholders, the logistics of demolition and construction, as well as the unique challenges posed by the pandemic — so it’s wonderful to be reaching the construction stage,” says Donna Janiec, Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration). “Students have worked diligently together with the university to craft the vision for a revitalized JDUC, and to move it toward its realization. The renewed building will be an inspiring addition to the Queen’s student experience.”

The project is targeting a LEED Gold (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. When complete, the renovated facility will feature a modernized design, with fully accessible, sustainable, and inclusive spaces for students to learn, socialize, and study.

“We’re very excited to see this long-anticipated renewal get underway,” says Zaid Kasim, AMS President. “I am proud to have played a part in moving this project forward, and I know the future AMS staff, clubs, and students will welcome having a fresh, new, and modern space when the JDUC re-opens in 2024.”

Students will contribute the majority of the funding for the renovation project, through student levies over 25 years, which the students agreed to through graduate and undergraduate referendums held in February 2018 and January 2019. The university is supporting the project with a contribution from a combination of capital reserves and donor funds. Queen’s is also providing the project financing.

As part of a separate but concurrent project, the university will be renovating the 90 residence rooms located within the JDUC. The larger JDUC renovation provided an opportune time to undertake a much-needed refresh. This element is entirely funded by the university’s ancillary operations.

“The scope of work includes a complete interior renovation including new in-room fixtures, lighting, paint, curtains, infrastructure, and elevator modernization, as well as lounge and study space upgrades,” says Leah Wales, Executive Director of Housing and Ancillary Services. “While we are temporarily closing 90 rooms during the renovation period, with the new residence building on Albert Street opening this fall, we will have additional capacity already added to our inventory to offset this.”

A website will be established on the Facilities website closer to the start of construction with key dates and project activities.