The ground-floor unit of McCartney II has been vacant since the residence hall opened to students in August; there is no current plan for what will fill the space.
“As the work on finalizing the master plan moves toward completion this semester, the College is evaluating best use of the first floor of McCartney II,” Scott Morse, the college spokesman, wrote in an email.
Though utilities have been established in the space, several systems on the ground floor may need adjustments depending on the tenant that claims the unit, according to Emily Papp, a development manager at AEGIS Property Group.
“The ground floor has electric, gas, water, sewer, and cable TV brought into the building,” Papp wrote in an email. “However, modifications to these systems would still be required once a tenant is selected.”
According to Morse, a community healthcare center was in a “previous iteration” of plans for the building, but new options came to light after a continued review of campus master plans.
“At this time, based on the work the campus master planning partners have done, we do not expect the first floor to house such a healthcare center,” Morse wrote.
Students hope to see a variety of additions take occupancy of the unit.
Jaden Wurm ’26 expressed his hopes of the Newman Catholic Center returning to campus after its demolishment in years past, citing the 30% of Catholic-identifying students at Lafayette.
“It’s a real shame that that spot that really was such a long-standing part of Lafayette’s history was torn down,” Wurm said.
Some students envision a study space in the area.
“I would like to see more of those library classrooms,” Christopher Howe ’27 said.
“Sometimes you just want to be in a place where you can have a room to yourself, or a few other people just to study,” he continued. “And there aren’t that many places to do that.”
Michael Schatz ‘25, a resident of McCartney II, suggested that a “restaurant would be nice” in regards to what should occupy the ground floor.
Tehila Bendaat ’28 also conveyed a desire for a new dining option.
“I’d like to see an environmentally friendly, cautious, healthy to-go option,” she said. “Not like a salad bar, but like a Sweet Green.”
Two students, Oliver Lehman ’25 and Larry Pear ’25 thought a new gym would be an option. Pear said the recreation center on campus is “really crowded.”
It is unknown when plans will be finalized for the first floor of McCartney II.
Clara Witmer ’27 contributed reporting.
