News Summary
Renovations at Harvard University’s Eliot House have significantly disrupted the lives of residents at nearby Kirkland House. Ongoing construction, expected to last until 2027, includes the demolition of a connecting tunnel and upgrades to various systems. Residents are facing noise and vibration challenges that hinder their daily activities and studies. Despite measures to minimize the impact, frustration continues to grow as the disruptions are anticipated to extend into next year, leaving Kirkland residents longing for relief.
Cambridge – Renovations at Harvard University’s Eliot House, part of the House Renewal program, have created significant disruptions for residents of the nearby Kirkland House. The renovation process began in early June and is expected to last until 2027. During this time, loud construction noise is impacting the daily lives of Kirkland residents, with reports of vibrations felt throughout the dormitories and dining areas.
Construction crews are currently demolishing the tunnel that connects Eliot and Kirkland Houses, with the demolition phase expected to finish by the end of September. Throughout the day, the sounds of heavy machinery and demolition can be heard from as early as 7 a.m. until almost midnight, making it difficult for students to concentrate on their studies or enjoy their daily routines.
In addition to the tunnel demolition, the first phase of renovations includes the separation of Eliot and Kirkland’s central mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Before the renovations commenced, the two houses shared infrastructure, including kitchens. The current work at Eliot House also covers extensive interior demolition, roof repairs, brick siding enhancement, and chimney repairs, all of which contribute to the sustained noise levels.
A letter from the Harvard House Renewal management has warned that the ongoing construction could continue into next year, further extending the disruptions experienced by Kirkland residents. Measures have been enacted to minimize the impact of the noise; these include leaving several dorms on the south side of Kirkland House vacant to reduce disturbances, as well as the installation of noise-dampening storm windows and window air conditioning units in rooms facing Eliot House.
Even with these measures, many Kirkland residents have reported adverse effects on their daily activities due to the loud construction. Complaints have been common, citing challenges in studying and managing daily routines. Residents are especially frustrated since renovations at their own residence, Kirkland House, are still years away, leading to a feeling of helplessness in their current situation.
According to local city law, construction noise is limited to specific hours: weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, the Harvard House Renewal team has plans for construction that extend from Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with loud noise activities required to cease by 5 p.m. Additional construction may occur on Saturdays and Sundays as long as proper approval is obtained within the respective permitted hours.
The extensive interior demolition at Eliot House is projected to proceed until March 2024, while roof and masonry work is not expected to be completed until the fall of 2026. As the renovations persist, residents of Kirkland House continue to navigate the challenges posed by the noise, longing for a quieter living environment.
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Additional Resources
- The Crimson: Kirkland Renovations Noise
- Harvard Square: Kiosk Plaza Construction Update
- Axios: Harvard Square Punk ‘The Pit’ Demolished
- CBS News: The Pit in Harvard Square
- The Crimson: The Pit Demolished
- Wikipedia: Harvard University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Harvard University
- Google Search: Harvard renovations
- Google Scholar: Harvard construction impact
- Google News: Harvard University renovation news
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
