Residents of Eliot House, one of Harvard's undergraduate residential houses, are about to embark on a significant transformation. According to Cameron Borgasano, the Director of the Undergraduate House Renewal Program, they have one more semester in their main building before renovations commence next June. Starting in fall 2025, Eliot students will be relocated to different locations while the main dorms undergo renovation. Unlike the Adams House Renovation project, which was completed building by building, Eliot's renovation will take place all at once over two years. The entirety of Eliot House will be closed during this period.

History and Significance

First opened in 1931, Eliot House was one of the College's seven original houses. It holds a special place and will be the seventh house to be restored as part of a larger effort to renovate all 12 of Harvard's undergraduate houses. The design phase of the Eliot House Renewal is set to conclude this winter, after which the Harvard Corporation, the University's highest governing body, will give its approval. Once approved, construction is anticipated to begin in June 2025 and finish by Fall 2027.

Architectural Firm and Previous Projects

Architecture firm Kieran Timberlake will lead the Eliot House renovation project after completing restorations of other Harvard houses like Leverett House's McKinlock Hall, Quincy House's Stone Hall, Dunster House, and Lowell House. A different company, Beyer Blinder Belle, handled the Adams House renewal project after renovating Winthrop House in 2017.

Renovation Details

Similar to earlier projects, the Eliot renovations will include new doors and windows, replaced electrical and plumbing systems, and fire safety upgrades. Interior changes will focus on reconfiguring the layout to address accessibility, code, and privacy issues while providing updated social and academic spaces. This is crucial to maintain the distinct character of Eliot House.

Student Perspectives

Andrew J. Morrissey ’26 values the fact that everyone has to walk through the courtyard and how the dining hall is easily accessible to everyone in the house. He hopes that the renovation doesn't downsize the rooms further. Audrey Gunawan ’25 sees the house's dining hall as a central part of Eliot living, emphasizing the importance of the centralized courtyard and the ease of bringing friends. Alyssa M. Bonia ’27 is concerned that the project should not lose the charm of the house's ornate dining hall, as it is one of the major hangout spots for many people in Eliot.

Impact on Students

The renovation plan means a major shift for Eliot students. They will have to leave their courtyard and dining hall next fall, and none of the current residents will return to the main Eliot campus before their expected graduation. Xander D. Patton ’26 is anxious about the idea of having a decentralized community. Eliot Faculty Dean David F. Elmer ’98 and Bonnie M. Talbert have been spending time getting to know the Eliot community and have heard that residents love the house and want it to retain its distinct character.