Aquinas Hall Undergoes Major Renovation at Providence College

Built in 1933 as Providence College’s first residence hall and just the second building on campus, Aquinas Hall is currently undergoing a major makeover, news.providence.edu reported.

New Windows Installed Along Southern Wing

From the exterior, the most visible change is the installation of new windows along the building’s southern wing, facing the War Memorial Grotto and St. Dominic Chapel. Older windows remaining on the northern wing are scheduled for replacement during the summer of 2027.

Modernizing Interiors for 325 Students

Inside the 325-student residence, the renovation touches nearly every corner of daily student life. Rooms now feature new walls and flooring, alongside new bathrooms and an updated first-floor laundry facility. The building’s lounge has been refurbished and outfitted with air conditioning, providing a cooler communal space for residents.

What's happening at Aquinas Hall? 👀 This beloved building is getting a major renovation!Over the next two summers, Aquinas will undergo a complete transformation, including completely redone dorm rooms, new bathrooms, and more. 🤍🖤#ForeverAFriar pic.twitter.com/dzAEJXXBZf

— https://x.com/ProvidenceCol/status/2074495217432998075

Infrastructure Systems Overhauled and Stained Glass Cleaned

Behind the visible cosmetic updates, the project required substantial behind-the-scenes infrastructure work. Crews overhauled mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and technology systems throughout the structure. Preservation work also reached the Center for Catholic and Dominican Studies, formerly the Aquinas Chapel, where stained glass windows were carefully cleaned.

Phased Timeline Through Summer 2027

Work on the southern half of the building wrapped up over the summer of 2026, setting the stage for the second phase. Renovations on the northern wing will begin in the summer of 2027.

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Aquinas Hall Serves as a Campus Landmark

Throughout its history, Aquinas has served as much more than a dormitory. The building housed all student activities, a student cafeteria, and Development of Western Civilization lectures.

“There is a lot of emotion attached to this building,” said Mark Rapoza ’90SCE, assistant vice president for capital projects and facilities planning, pointing to anticipation surrounding Civ finals, weddings in Aquinas Chapel, and the grief following the 1977 fire. “Over the years, Aquinas Hall has become a major part of the fabric of Providence College. It was time to give this building some respect, and that is what we are aiming to do.”