A portion of Alumni Walk outside the J.D. MacLachlan Building has been closed until Winter 2027 due to an expansion of the construction site fencing. A temporary accessible pathway has been created across Johnston Green to provide a detour around the construction area.
The pathway closure and detour accommodate the J.D. MacLachlan Building modernization and expansion project, which includes the complete renovation of the existing building along with the construction of a addition.
Please refer to the accompanying illustration for additional details.
Restoration, expansion of J.D. MacLachlan Building
The revitalized building and new addition will house two new classrooms on the first floor, two computer teaching labs on the second floor, a consolidated Student Accessibility Services exam centre on the third floor and student study space in the basement.
The building’s historic façade will be restored on three sides, and a new 465 m² addition will be constructed on the building’s south side.
Last updated in 1975, the building requires significant renewal and replacement of its major systems, including mechanical and electrical systems, the building envelope (including windows and doors) and interior spaces. To improve accessibility, the project includes a new main entrance with a vestibule, an accessible ground-floor entrance and access to barrier-free, gender-neutral washrooms.
The renovations will also improve the building’s energy efficiency and enable it to meet the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Design Standard. The project will help the University meet its spatial and functional requirements while creating student-focused spaces that enhance the student experience.
Construction is currently underway and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
