Historic Conklin Hall renovations commence on Newark campus, to be completed next year

Construction on Conklin Hall on the Rutgers—Newark campus has begun, according to a release from the University.

Plans to reconstruct the hall were publicized at the end of last semester. Previously, the hall served as home to the Departments of History and African-American and African Studies at Newark in addition to the campus' Writing Center and Writing Program.

The proposed changes would consolidate various administrative services and increase the amount of resources available to commuters.

They would also materially alter the appearance of the building and structural elements, such as by expanding the building’s floor space, constructing an angled roof and installing an elevator.

Conklin was specifically chosen to serve as this new hub for student services due to its historical significance. The hall was the setting of a demonstration by the Black Organization of Students in 1969, during which members occupied the building to protest the University's lack of diversity in its student and staff population.

The building was also named after Franklin Conklin Jr., a civic leader who served as the University President of the University of Newark, which predated Rutgers—Newark.

The building's renovation is expected to be completed in the Fall 2025 semester.