Today's Update: North District Renovation

July 28, 2026

Dear Student Life team,

If you’ve traveled through the North District this week, you’ve likely seen some construction fencing starting to go up. It’s the beginning of the renovation project on Drackett and Taylor Towers as part of our ongoing commitment to providing the iconic Buckeye residential experience for our students.   

The North Towers Renovations project, located in the heart of Ohio State’s North District, will modernize Drackett and Taylor Towers. Advancing Framework 3.0, the university’s long-term planning vision, the project will create enhanced opportunities for students to connect, collaborate and build community. Residential floors will be renovated, including lounges on every floor that will introduce natural light into the corridor. Student rooms and furniture will be updated throughout both buildings. Common areas will also be expanded for group activities, individual study and meetings. Taylor Tower’s main entrance will be relocated to the ground level to improve accessibility and building access. 

Major infrastructure improvements include new plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems, fire protection equipment and other building systems.    

Taylor and Drackett Towers will be available for students at the start of autumn semester 2028. The fences will be completely up around those two buildings before the start of Move-In and will remain in place for the next two years. Some of the pedestrian walkways directly around Taylor and Drackett are closed, but there are still a number of paths available throughout the North District.   

The service courts behind Drackett and Taylor are closed to accommodate construction deliveries. It means a few parking places will be unavailable until the work is completed. The CampusParc website has information on alternative parking options, or you can call CampusParc at 614-688-0000.  

In addition, Jones Tower will be demolished in 2027. That construction fencing is expected to go up at the end of the autumn semester.   

You’ll remember that the university Board of Trustees gave us the green light to enter into construction contracts for these projects at their meeting in March.    

If you find yourself in the North Residential District, just a friendly reminder to be aware of your surroundings and watch for construction traffic in the area.  

I am Scarlet and Grateful to all who will be advancing these important projects in so many ways.   

 

Melissa S. Shivers, PhD 
Senior Vice President for Student Life  
The Ohio State University