Demolition of St. James Hall Makes Way for New Academic Science Center
August 03, 2007
August 2, 2007 - Emmanuel's St. James Hall, an addition added to the east wing of the Administration Building in 1958, was demolished in July in preparation for the construction of the College's new Academic Science Center.
Prior to the start of demolition of St. James Hall, Emmanuel College President Sister Janet Eisner, SND, Father Stephen Boyle and members of the College's faculty and staff met to bless the building for its many years of service to the Emmanuel community. Originally serving as a residence hall for the Sisters of Notre Dame, with 70 sisters living in the hall by 1966, St. James became a housing area for students roughly two decades ago, and also has been used for faculty offices.
"There have been lots of memories in this building and it's important to remember the many people who lived here and the great work they did for this mission," she said. "Yet this blessing is not only for the past but also for the present. As we remember the Sisters who lived in this hall — the faculty who built the academic programs of this College — we ask them to intercede for us today as we begin a new building on this site. We ask for a blessing on all those who will give their hard work and energy towards the construction of our new building."
The new Academic Science Center will feature teaching laboratories for biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics and psychology/neuroscience, faculty research space and offices, student study areas, and new classrooms for all disciplines on four floors. This approximately 47,500 square-foot space will provide faculty and students double the amount of net academic space than currently available on campus. An underground parking lot will connect to the Jean Yawkey Center parking garage, maintaining the green space of the College's Quad.