The removal of the temporary housing on March Field is slated to begin on Nov. 11, according to a college announcement on Tuesday.
March Hall, commonly referred to as “the mods” by students, was built in 2017 to temporarily house students during a period of campus expansion. Initially intended for no more than two years of use, March Hall has outstayed its projected lifespan by more than five years.
Lafayette announced in July 2023 that the use of March Hall would no longer be necessary after the completion of McCartney Phase II this fall. Students last lived in March Hall during the spring 2024 semester.
According to the announcement, the three-to-four-week removal process will “not impact normal activities on campus.”
March Hall has seen decline in recent years. Students routinely reported finding mold in the building, and in April, residents found mushrooms growing out of the floor.
For the students who once lived in March Hall, the anticipated demolition brings a sense of both relief and frustration.
“I think it’s about time that they’re tearing it down,” said Victoria Hutchinson ’26, a student who lived in March Hall last year. “People had issues with mold and sanitary concerns, and, you know, it’s not an actual dorm.”
Vivienne Dietrich ’26, who lived in March Hall for just a semester before moving into sorority housing, expressed a similar sentiment.
“I’m kind of bummed that they waited this long to finally do something about it,” Dietrich said. “We had to pay full pricing for housing that was considered modular housing.”
“I’m glad that they’re getting rid of it now,” she added.
