Three renovation projects, which importantly expand and improve our student study, relaxation, and recreational spaces, were completed in August 2023. Last fall, the Yale School of Medicine Dean’s Office hired an architectural firm specializing in medical education spaces. The architects held multiple sessions with students and educational leaders for input. Construction began June 26, 2023.
Historical Library and Morse Reading Room
New lighting and power distribution; refinished wood tables; and new carpeting and paint throughout the Morse Reading Room and new area rugs in the Historical Library have improved the acoustics of both rooms. Two additional privacy booths were added to the E-Level, which offer a soundproof space for students to take phone calls, have meetings, or focus on tasks in complete silence. The booths are equipped with an adjustable desk, power outlets, and dimmable lights.
Harkness Mezzanine
The existing mezzanine that overlooks the Café Med dining room and Spinelli Lounge has been converted to a more attractive, private student lounge, relaxation, and study area with new finishes and lighting.
Harkness Student Gym
The existing student gym has undergone full scale renovation with new equipment, flooring, lighting, and painting, as well as updated bathrooms and showers. During the renovation, medical students were offered free memberships to the YNHH LivingWell Fitness Center, less than one block away from the Harkness Gym.
Other Planned Renovations
- Academic Year 2023-24: We will create new student spaces in Café Med: construction of a new student-only recreational space with lounge furnishings, Ping-Pong and pool tables, a video gaming and movie zone, and updates to the existing music room. Next, Spinelli Lounge will be refurbished with a new kitchenette, finishes, and furnishings, and a new direct entrance from Spinelli Lounge into a dedicated student gathering space in the Café Med dining area. Lastly, the student gym will be expanded into adjacent unused space on the basement level to create workout/stretch/yoga space and new locker and shower spaces.
- Summer of 2024: New lounge and relaxation spaces will be constructed in Sterling Hall of Medicine and CWML including: a new, 24/7-accessible student zone and gathering area, and a kitchenette and lounge space. We are investigating adding a coffee and snack bar run by Yale Dining Services in the entry lobby, as well as “Grab & Go” food kiosks for better food options after hours.