At UHart, we empower students to turn potential into action and thrive. This same spirit of growth and ambition drives the evolution of our campus.
Through intentional investments in academic spaces and reimagining the student experience, the University of Hartford is always refining, expanding, and innovating to create an environment where passion is met with opportunity. Take a look at some of the transformative campus projects that continue to shape UHart and create pathways for our students to learn, lead, and live their purpose.
Park River Beautification Project
A multiphase project has been launched to clean and revitalize the area along Park River near Alumni Plaza, transforming it into a welcoming outdoor gathering space for students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors. Encouraging a connection with nature and community, this part of campus has long been used for academic projects, relaxation, and recreation. With its scenic views and proximity to campus buildings, the refreshed space will offer students a place to study, unwind, connect, and build campus memories. This initiative is part of UHart’s broader commitment to creating accessible, inspiring spaces across campus.
Major Renovation of Konover Campus Center
UHart is transforming the Konover Campus Center into a vibrant dining and social hub, featuring new food concepts focused on Connecticut’s best pizza, burgers, and wings—curated by a new chef and with input from students. Scheduled for completion in summer 2026, the reinvented space will include an outdoor patio and pond area with bench seating and a fountain, ideal for dining and events, like live music. Funded through the University’s partnership with Aramark, this renovation will enhance campus life with new food, entertainment, and community-driven programming.
Zachs Hillel Center for Jewish Life
With a ribbon cutting held in April 2025, the Zachs Hillel Center is a dedicated central place for Jewish life on campus. Far larger than UHart’s previous Hillel Center, it features meeting space, a Kosher kitchen, and a lounge area for students to congregate in their down time. It is more than just a center; it is a place where Jewish life at the University of Hartford can flourish, thanks to the generosity of the Zachs family.
Grant Family Track and Field
Opened in Fall 2024, the Grant Family Track and Field was named in recognition of UHart alumnus and Board of Regents member Kevin Grant '82, M'86, whose generous leadership gift made the project possible. The reimagined complex features a 400-meter, eight-lane "full pour" track surrounding a new all-purpose field for recreation and intramurals, along with an adjacent throwing area. Built to NCAA standards, the new athletics complex has become an essential space for student-athletes, intramural teams, and the campus community.
Past Campus Improvements, Lasting Impact
We have judiciously invested over $20 million in the student experience, campus improvements, and academic advancements. Past highlights include the renovation of the Village Apartments, new academic facilities like the Hursey Center, expanded student support through the Center for Student Success, and modernized spaces across campus. These upgrades reflect UHart’s commitment to creating a campus where students thrive and our community sees lasting impact.
Village Apartments Extensive Renovations
UHart debuted the newly renovated Village Apartments following a multi-million dollar refurbishment. They became home to more than 800 returning and graduate students after the renovation of kitchens, bathrooms, furniture, and flooring, along with revamped common spaces and community patios with outdoor seating. The upgrades also created more Kosher/Shabbat-friendly and ADA-compliant apartments.
Residential Life Improvements
Renovated common spaces in dorm complexes A–D created inviting areas for students to study, relax, and socialize. Complete with game rooms, pool tables and table tennis, TV lounges, and an outdoor fire pit, the residence halls also received refreshed paint, renovated basement laundry areas, and new furniture in shared student spaces throughout. We invested in our students' living spaces because we think UHart should feel like home.
Gengras Student Union Expansion and Renovation
The Gengras Student Union Expansion and Renovation project transformed the former patio into a place where people gather and connect. Housing the Allan Center for Career and Professional Development, the expanded GSU supports our campus's holistic growth by providing space where students can build skills beyond the classroom. It also allows for collaboration and engagement with campus groups such as the Student Government Association, Division for Student Success, International Center and Centers for Student Success, International students, and Community Service.
The Francis X. and Nancy Hursey Center
The Hursey Center, a 60,000-square-foot academic building in the academic quad, houses specialized, and technology-rich facilities for our growing programs in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture; and the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions. The project also included renovations to Dana and UTC Halls, addressing UHart's need for more classroom space for many general education courses offered through the College of Arts and Sciences.
Barney's Auerbach Hall Expansion
The Barney School of Business dedicated a 10,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art addition to Auerbach Hall, creating a high-tech learning and collaboration environment designed to position students for success in today’s fast-paced and competitive world. Key enhancements included the addition of an innovation center, the Auerbach Stanley Black & Decker Commons, and a trading room with Bloomberg Terminals.
Hillyer Hall Expansion
As the University’s oldest classroom building, Hillyer Hall received a facelift and expansion with the addition of the 10,000-square-foot Shaw Center, which included Regents Commons. The expansion provides a large common area designed to be accessible and foster engagement among students and faculty.
Center For Student Success Launches
Launched in Fall 2019, the Center for Student Success brought together all units related to student life and academic services to offer a holistic approach to college life at UHart. Located in the Gengras Student Union, the Center supports students throughout their journey. Whether they need academic guidance, personal support, or assistance with course registration, administrative tasks, or financial questions, dedicated CSS advisors help point students in the right direction so they can thrive at UHart.
Harrison Libraries Expansion and Renovation
The Harrison Libraries Expansion and Renovation project began in May 2016 and was completed in May 2017. The project updated the physical space, technology, and infrastructure of the Harrison Libraries, aligning it with our adaptive approach to teaching and learning. Reflecting the University’s ongoing commitment to student success, these improvements have significantly benefited UHart’s community of learners, scholars, and creators.