Pawtucket High School
Pawtucket, RI
This landmark $550 million, three-and-a-half-year renovation will transform Boston University’s Warren Towers—the nation’s second-largest nonmilitary residence hall, home to 1,800 students since the 1960s. The comprehensive rehab will modernize the three iconic 18-story towers with upgraded building systems, sustainable infrastructure, and enhanced amenities, bringing this historic campus landmark fully into the 21st century.
The phased renovation includes complete replacement of plumbing, security, and IT infrastructure, installation of new insulation and energy-efficient windows, and full restoration of exterior masonry and roofing to meet current energy codes. Interior improvements feature remodeled student rooms and lounges with new finishes, lighting, and electrical upgrades, plus the addition of air conditioning—marking the first time Warren Towers will offer climate-controlled rooms. Bathrooms will be replaced with private, all-gender lavatories, and the dining hall will be fully modernized with new cooking equipment, furnishings, and serveries.
Designed to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, the project combines building electrification and insulation upgrades with clean-energy credits purchased through BU Wind, which supports wind energy projects in the Midwest. Safety and minimizing campus disruption remain top priorities, with phased tower closures scheduled from fall 2025 through spring 2028 and construction activities carefully coordinated to reduce impact on students and the surrounding community.