Construction began on Jan. 20 in the Central Neighborhood as part of the Central Utilities Initiative Phase II project, including the demolition of the University Club and the Community Garden. This construction was part of the university’s initiative to improve campus utilities for both existing buildings and the four new residential colleges that will replace Branscomb Quadrangle.
The University Club demolition, announced in a press release and an email to the Vanderbilt community on Jan. 15, was completed on Feb. 20 to prepare for construction beginning this summer. In an attempt to minimize disruption to the surrounding community, noise barriers were installed around the demolition site to mitigate sound disturbances.
Utility work around Vanderbilt Place required a four week single-lane closure from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the construction period. Traffic controllers managed the flow of vehicles and ensured pedestrian safety. According to Vanderbilt’s Planning, Design and Construction Department, the lane reopened overnight with temporary plating for two-way traffic. Additional work was carried out in the parking lot adjacent to the Schulman Center.
In a message to The Hustler, the Planning, Design and Construction Department said there were environmental considerations taken into account during the demolition process.
“During every demolition, our team focuses on identifying materials that can be reused or recycled,” the department said. “For the University Club building, all metals — including structural steel, concrete reinforcing steel and electrical wiring — will be recycled.”
Student concerns
Sophomore Izza Ahmed shared the impact the construction has had on her campus experience.
“The ongoing construction and road closures at Vanderbilt have made campus feel unrecognizable, creating constant obstacles for students trying to get around,” Ahmed said. “With multiple roads closed at once, getting to key locations, especially Rand, the central spot for Ubers and pickups, has become frustratingly difficult.”
First-year Mallory Makay expressed her frustration with the housing process due to the changes made to accommodate the demolition of Branscomb Quadrangle.
“I found myself in an unfortunate situation when my roommate unexpectedly found out she was selected to be a Residential Advisor for the 2025-26 year, just one day before the 3-person housing window was closing,” Makay said. “Hoping for a last-minute miracle turned into greater disappointment. Now, as midterms approach, my classes will not be the only thing stealing my mental capacity.”
Kendall Sebasky, also a first-year, echoed this sentiment, saying she and her friends have been worried they will be forced to find “expensive” off-campus housing due to a lack of on-campus options.
“The housing application process has become much more competitive with students,” Sebasky said. “The first time I applied, I received a rejection for a residential college — however, now I am applying for a 4-person apartment. This process has been extensive, especially considering the high cost of housing on Vanderbilt’s campus.”
Community garden
In 2020, the Vanderbilt Community Garden was relocated to a more central campus site, where it has been supported by Campus Dining and Facilities groups as well as the Vanderbilt Community Garden student organization. However, the community garden was destroyed for the construction of new residential colleges. The garden served as a test site for sustainable gardening practices, provided plants for events on campus and aimed to strengthen connections with the Vanderbilt Children and Family Center.
Andre Mendoza, sophomore and president of the Community Garden, said the news was “frustrating” as the club was not initially aware of whether the space would be demolished with the construction. According to Mendoza, the organization had recently expanded the garden with new projects including a greenhouse and additional planting beds.
“I have appreciated that since we reached out, Vanderbilt has been working with us to find a temporary solution for this season and a new space where we could establish a more permanent garden again,” Mendoza said. “It’s great that we’ll still be able to grow some produce this year, since everything we grow goes to people in need through an affordable care clinic.”
RA positions
It is expected that the demolition of Branscomb Quadrangle will lead to fewer openings for new RA applicants. According to Housing and Residential Experience, there are currently 185 RA positions on campus, which will decrease to 160 following the closure of Branscomb and McTyeire. All current RAs in Branscomb eligible for rehire will be relocated to other residential buildings for the 2025-26 academic year.
Junior Evan Hank, a head RA, said he believes it has already been difficult for Branscomb RAs to be promoted and it will be challenging for prospective RAs to be accepted for the 2025-26 school year.
“Why would you sacrifice your 21 Branscomb RAs and then gamble on new staff when you know that [your existing] staff are performing well?” Hank said.
