Expect intermittent construction noise near Wood Hall.
Overview
Beginning May 18, the law school will undergo a waterline replacement project that will continue in phases throughout the summer. This work is necessary due to recurring leaks and aging infrastructure and represents an important investment in the long-term stability of our campus.
While construction will bring temporary disruption in certain areas, the law school will remain fully open and operating in person throughout the project. This page will serve as the central location for updates, timelines, and key information as the project progresses.
Project Timeline
Construction will occur in phases, and impacts may vary depending on the stage of work. Updates will be shared as schedules evolve.
May 18–26
Leg A (road between McCarty and Wood Hall/Loading Dock drive)
May 29–June 12
Leg B (south side of McCarty)
Blackout Dates (no construction): May 27–28, NCVLI conference
June 13–30
Leg C (east side of McCarty by plaza)
July 7–24
Leg D (parking lot north of McCarty)
July 27–Aug 11
Leg E (Wood loading dock)
Blackout Dates (no construction): July 28–29, Bar exam
Saw concrete up in sections, dig it out
Excavate down 3’
Lay pipe in; add in new hydrants
Inspection of the pipes, hydrants
Back fill trench with dirt
Pour concrete and match aggregate surface
Once completely finished and tested, the old pipe/system will be turned off and the new system will be utilized for fire safety.
No construction activity will occur during the following periods.
May 27–28 – NCVLI conference
July 28–29 – Bar exam
Project Details
The primary areas impacted by construction include:
McCarty Classroom Complex
Gantenbein Hall
Student parking lot
Impacts may include noise, temporary access changes, and localized construction activity.
The law school will remain fully open and operational.
Classes will continue as scheduled in person.
Offices will remain open, with limited temporary relocations noted below.
Construction will be paused for the Bar Exam and NCVLI conference.
We are working to minimize disruption wherever possible.
Due to construction impacts in Gantenbein, Admissions will temporarily relocate to the Legal Research Center, and Career Services will move to Wood Hall.
Some parking areas will be affected during construction, including portions of the student lot. The Huston Sports Complex lot will remain open for parking, though the gravel area will be used for equipment storage. Faculty and staff parking lots will remain open, but the interior circular driving route may be reversed at times.
Students may park in Upper Griswold (Parking Lot C) on the undergraduate campus or in the Huston lot. Upper Griswold will not be impacted by construction.
Students preparing for exams or seeking quieter environments are encouraged to use the following spaces:
During the first two stages of the construction project (now through June), the only stair-free route to Boley Library and Wood Hall will be through the Legal Research Center main entrance and across the skybridge. This pathway will remain open throughout the duration of the construction project.
Community members and visitors may park in the Faculty and Staff lot near the LRC main entrance for easier access to this route.
Project Updates and Communication
We are committed to keeping the community informed throughout the project.
Updates will be shared via email as needed.
This webpage will be updated as information changes.
Additional communications may be sent to impacted groups directly.
Please note that timelines and impacts may shift as work progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The law school will remain fully open and operating in person.
Classes will continue as scheduled. Rooms have been selected to minimize noise impacts where possible.
Some lots will be affected, but Parking Lot C (Upper Griswold) remains available. Overall parking at the law school and Upper Griswold is expected to be sufficient.
Wood Hall, Boley Law Library, and Watzek Library are available study spaces. Watzek has quiet spaces, and no construction is planned there. Students can access Watzek Library from the Upper Griswold parking lot, walking around Pamplin Gym and down the cobblestone path.
Yes, the showers and lockers in Gantenbein will remain open. The door facing McCarty will be accessible via key card.
Please reach out to Law Facilities or the Law Communications Office with any questions or concerns. If it is after hours or on the weekend, contact Campus Safety.
