Renovation work at Wilder Hall moves into its second phase
Wilder Hall, the heart of student activity on Oberlin College's campus, is undergoing a comprehensive, multi-year renovation. The second phase of this project, set to commence in the 2025-26 academic year, will focus on upgrades to the third floor.
Designed by Joseph Lyman Silsbee and opened in 1911 as a men's residence, Wilder Hall has evolved into Oberlin's student union. Over the years, it has become a hub for student organisations, committees, and services, including Student Leadership and Involvement, Student Finance Committee, Concert Sound, Student Senate, and the Sexual Information Center, among others.
The second phase of the renovation will bring significant changes to the third floor. The project includes the creation of new offices and furniture for the office of Student Leadership and Involvement, complete with a 16-person conference room equipped with enhanced technology. Additionally, new, reservable spaces for student organisations will be created, and an esports arena will be built, capable of hosting group gaming events and one-on-one play.
Highlights of Phase II also include new space for Concert Sound, the Student Senate and the Student Finance Committee, the Craft Room, Film Co-op, and ExCo. However, the search results do not provide specific information about which organisations will receive new offices and facilities during the second phase of the comprehensive renovation of Wilder Hall.
During the renovation period, several offices have been temporarily relocated. Student Leadership and Involvement, Student Finance Committee are now at Daub House, ExCo Committee at Kade House Room 104, and Student Support and Outreach in Wilder Hall Room 208. Concert Sound is temporarily located in Wilder Hall Room 212, and Student Support and Outreach is in Room 208.
Despite the construction, Wilder Hall will remain in use during the renovation period, although all but the west end of the third floor will be closed throughout the 2025-26 academic year. Previously renovated meeting spaces on the west end of the third floor will remain in use this year.
Karen Goff, Oberlin's Dean of Students, stated, "Wilder Hall is the center of student activity on campus and an essential pillar of the campus. The renovations are intended to honor Wilder Hall's remarkable beauty and ensure its vitality for generations to come."
Construction at Wilder Hall resumed in July and will continue through summer 2026, with future phases of the renovation planned for the lower level, first, and second floors. The renovations aim to modernise and enhance the student union, ensuring it continues to serve as a vibrant, welcoming space for Oberlin College students.
