Active Projects
The portfolio of projects managed by the Office of Project Management ranges from new buildings to renovation and renewal for Duke University. We do not manage projects for Duke's School of Medicine, School of Nursing and Medical Center. Those building projects are not included in our portfolio.
Duke is currently focused on the renewal and expansion of existing facilities on campus. These projects include updating and replacement of existing mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems; roof replacement; office and lab renovations; utility infrastructure enhancements; athletic facility upgrades and landscape renovations.
Active projects in heavily frequented areas with noticeable building work and pedestrian or traffic rerouting are highlighted below. Projects are in alphabetical order.
Abele Quad Turf Restoration
Restoration of turf areas on Abele Quad will result in periodic closing of the turf panels to pedestrian traffic.
Work on the project is expected to be complete by late December 2024.
Project Manager: Scott Thompson
Overview
Restoration of turf areas on Abele Quad following poor weather conditions.
Duke Reuse Pond Forebay Dredging
The water level of the pond, which collects rainwater and runoff from roughly 22% of West Campus, will be lowered to remove a decade’s worth of sediment. While the sediment removal project is unfolding, additional work around the pond will be completed, such as repaving the walking trail and adding approximately 25,000 aquatic plants – such as spikerush, pickerelweed and yellow pond lilies – to the shoreline.
Work should be completed by late Spring 2025.
Project Manager: Nasser Massry
Overview
Starting in November, a portion of the Duke Pond on the corner of West Campus will be temporarily drained for a planned maintenance project. The trail surrounding the pond will remain open during the project, except when sections of the trail are modified, which would require temporary closures.
Duke University Road Crosswalk
Work is expected to begin in mid-May. Duke University Road and the Duke University Road Parking Lots will remain open, but expect lane closures with flaggers during the brief periods when the crosswalks are being installed on the roadway.
The work should be complete by November 2024.
Project Manager: Kendall Schmidt
Overview
A crosswalk with flashing lights will be installed across Duke University Road connecting the Karsh Alumni & Visitors Center with the Duke University Road Lots across the street. New sidewalks will be added on the south side of Duke University Road stretching from the entrance to the gravel lot to the Chapel Drive intersection.
East Campus Landscape and Infrastructure Renovation
The work will begin in mid-June. Pedestrian access to all buildings will be maintained throughout the work, though there will be some detours as different sections of the quad will be addressed at different times.
Work on the project is expected to be complete in February 2026.
Project Manager: Heidy Jaramillo
Overview
The landscape, hardscape and infrastructure of East Campus Quad will undergo a major renovation. The lawns and plantings will be refreshed. The stormwater drainage system throughout the quad will be replaced and some of the sidewalks will be reconfigured. The quad’s irrigation system will be repaired and enhanced, and the street lighting will be upgraded with LEDs.
Fuqua/Law Hot Water Conversion
One lane of Science Drive, near the intersections with Whitford Drive, will be closed until September 17. A temporary traffic light will maintain two-way traffic. While the Law Lot and Chemistry Lot will remain open during the project, some parking spaces will be inaccessible.
Science Drive will fully reopen on September 17 and the project is expected to be completely finished by November 1.
Project Manager: Darin Smith
Overview
As part of a campus-wide conversion to more efficient heating methods, the Fuqua School of Business and Duke University School of Law buildings are connecting to Duke’s hot water system. The project consists of installing two underground pipes beneath Science Drive linking the buildings with the hot water system that circulates around campus.
Garden Gateway Renovation and Expansion Project
Known as the Garden Gateway, this transformational renovation and expansion project is designed to enrich the experience for all visitors and to accommodate the Garden’s dramatic growth in the past decade. Construction is scheduled to begin in late fall and reach completion in spring 2026. Visitors can continue to enjoy the Gardens throughout the entirety of the project.
Visitors are advised to check the Duke Gardens website for updates and important information as the project takes shape. To learn more, sign up for Garden Gateway email updates.
Project Manager: Virginia Norton
Overview
Sarah P. Duke Gardens is entering a new chapter in its 85 years as one of Duke University’s beloved spaces on campus.
Lilly Library Addition and Renovation
Lilly Library was closed to the public in early May. Work on the project is expected to begin this summer. Once work starts, six of the tennis courts behind Lilly Library will be removed. Access to the East Gated Lot No. 2 will be available for construction traffic only and traffic on Brodie Gym Drive will be limited during the work. During the project, the Lilly Library staff will be housed in Bishop’s House, which is behind Bassett Residence Hall. Library services such as reserving or checking out materials, printing and scanning will be available there.
The project is expected to last two years, with the goal of having the library open by summer of 2026.
Project Manager: Dudley Willis
Overview
Built in 1927, Lilly Library will undergo a substantial renovation and expansion in a multi-year project. The project will increase the library’s footprint by 78% and will add more indoor and outdoor seating, collaborative study spaces and a café.
Nasher Museum Sculpture Garden
The entrance to the Nasher Museum from Anderson Street is closed. The museum’s main parking lot will remain accessible from Campus Drive and Duke University Road.
The space is expected to be ready in the summer of 2025.
Project Manager: Heidy Jaramillo
Overview
The Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family Sculpture Garden will create 270 degrees of walkable landscape for visitors with accessible pathways and green spaces for displaying art outdoors and for community gatherings and events.
Science Drive Condensate Renewal
Science Drive will be closed in front of the Physics Building and the Science Lot will be inaccessible. From mid-June to mid-July, the work will take place at night, resulting in temporary closures of Bryan Center circle. And from mid-July to late August, there will be periodic lane closures on Science Drive with two-way traffic continuing with a temporary traffic light.
Travel on Science Drive will fully resume in late August while the final phase of landscaping and sidewalk work will finish in October.
Project Manager: Darin Smith
Overview
A decades-old condensate pipe for Duke’s steam system is being replaced beneath Science Drive. The project requires digging a trench along roughly 160 feet of the road that runs in front of the Physics and Biological Sciences buildings.
Due to the nature of the design and construction process, the information provided, including size, time frame, program description and renderings are subject to change. If you have questions or plan to use the information provided, please contact us via email or by calling (919) 660-2519.