BOSTON— As students return to campus for the fall semester, Boston University has entered a major new phase of the $550 million renovation of Warren Towers, one of the largest non-military dormitories in the United States.
The multi-year transformation of the iconic three-tower residence hall is being led by Shawmut Design and Construction, in collaboration with architects Miller Dyer Spears and LeftField Project Management, BU’s Owner’s Project Manager.
The modernization project spans all three 18-story towers, with construction scheduled to be completed by summer 2028. In order to minimize disruption to students during the academic year, BU is executing the renovation in carefully planned phases: only one tower will be offline at a time while the remaining two continue to house students.
Currently, Tower A is closed through summer 2026, with Towers B and C scheduled to undergo renovations in the following two years, respectively.
“As a firm rooted in Boston and trusted to deliver complex projects on active urban campuses, we are proud to partner with BU to bring this legendary residence hall into the 21st century,” said Kevin Sullivan, Executive Vice President of Shawmut’s New England Region. “With safety for students, staff, and the community guiding every step of the process, we’re excited to deliver modern, comfortable, and sustainable spaces that will support student success for years to come.”
Modernization for a New Generation
Originally built in the 1960s, Warren Towers has long served as a housing cornerstone for BU undergraduates, home to nearly 1,800 students annually. Located along Commonwealth Avenue and the MBTA Green Line, the complex is one of the most visible dorms in the country, situated near Kenmore Square, Fenway Park, and Back Bay.
The first phase of the renovation includes a full overhaul of Tower A and the adjacent dining hall. Inside, student rooms and lounges are being fully modernized with new walls, ceilings, flooring, lighting, and electrical systems. Each room will be outfitted with air conditioning, while corridors and common areas will receive upgraded finishes and lighting.
Bathrooms are being completely replaced with private, accessible, all-gender facilities, a significant shift toward modern inclusivity and accessibility. Upgrades also include new plumbing, IT infrastructure, and security systems, along with a fully renovated dining hall featuring new cooking equipment, furniture, and updated serveries.
Exterior Work, Safety Measures, and Sustainability
On the exterior, the building is undergoing full masonry repair and restoration, complete window replacement, and the addition of insulation to meet modern energy standards. The roof system is also being replaced, including improvements to drainage for long-term durability.
To ensure student safety and minimize disruption, the construction team has implemented year-round exterior work using scaffolding, protective wrap, and a Personnel and Material Hoist (PMH) — all of which help shield the campus from noise, dust, and debris.
With Tower A offline, the university has arranged alternate housing for 595 first-year students at its Fenway Campus for the academic year.
Climate Goals and LEED Certification
The Warren Towers renovation is registered with a goal of LEED Gold certification and is a key part of Boston University’s Climate Action Plan. The project incorporates electrification of heating systems and will use clean energy offsets, supporting BU’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Once complete, Warren Towers will not only reflect BU’s dedication to sustainability but will also offer a modern, inclusive, and resilient residential experience for generations of students to come.
Project Team:
- Construction Manager: Shawmut Design and Construction
- Architect: Miller Dyer Spears
- Owner’s Project Manager: LeftField Project Management
- Completion Date: Summer 2028.
LEED Target: Gold.
