Boston University's $550 Million Warren Towers Renovation Progresses

Photos show extensive upgrades to the university's largest residence hall, including new plumbing, security, air conditioning, and accessibility features.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Boston University is in the midst of a three-year, $550 million renovation of its largest residence hall, Warren Towers. The project, which began in 2025, will bring extensive upgrades to the 18-story, 1,795-student dormitory, including new plumbing, security systems, air conditioning, student lounges, and fully accessible bathrooms. The renovation is expected to be completed by summer 2028.

Why it matters

As one of the largest non-military dormitories in the country, Warren Towers' renovation represents a major investment by Boston University to modernize and improve the living experience for its underclassmen students. The project aims to bring the 1960s-era building up to current energy and accessibility standards while creating more community spaces for residents.

The details

The renovation work is being done in phases, with Tower A scheduled to reopen to incoming freshmen in fall 2026 after extensive upgrades. Crews are currently installing scaffolding on Tower B's facades in preparation for the next phase of construction, which will run from May to August 2027. Improvements include new insulation, brick masonry repairs, conversion of bathrooms to all-gender single-user rooms, and the addition of card-entry access, air conditioning, and energy-efficient LED lighting.

  • Work on Tower A is scheduled to be completed by fall 2026.
  • Preparations for Tower B's renovations were finished in December 2025 and will resume in May 2027, running through August 2027.
  • The overall Warren Towers renovation project is expected to be completed by summer 2028.

The players

Boston University

The private research university in Boston, Massachusetts, that owns and operates Warren Towers.

John Barton

The executive director of major capital projects at Boston University, who led the tour of the Warren Towers renovation.

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What they’re saying

“These new LED lights are designed so they won't spill into your roommate's side.”

— John Barton, Executive Director of Major Capital Projects (bu.edu)

“As they go on, efficiency has picked up. They're also learning lessons that they'll take with them to other towers.”

— John Barton, Executive Director of Major Capital Projects (bu.edu)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Boston University's extensive renovation of its largest dormitory, Warren Towers, represents a significant investment in modernizing and improving the living experience for its underclassmen students. The project aims to bring the 1960s-era building up to current energy and accessibility standards while creating more community spaces for residents.