A Fresh Start for Royals: Summer Renovations Elevate the Queens Experience
Students arriving for Move-In Day will notice big changes under the oaks following summer renovations at Queens that include refreshed campus landscaping, restored building exteriors and updated finishes in Wireman Residence Hall.
Inside Wireman, student rooms are being updated with fresh paint and new furniture. The customizable loft beds, wardrobes, desks, and dressers will allow students to easily personalize their spaces.
The building’s shared common areas are also getting a modern, multi-functional makeover. A mix of soft seating and high-low tables will fill these spaces, giving students a flexible environment to study, eat, or relax together.
“Student living spaces are where they spend a great deal of their time. These improvements will help create more comfortable and fresh spaces for students,” said Amber Slack, vice president for student affairs and dean of campus life. “As we continue updating common areas and lobbies across campus, our ultimate goal is to design inviting spaces that naturally bring students together and strengthen our community.”
In line with Queens’ commitment to sustainability and its motto, “Not to be served, but to serve,” the university found new homes for Wireman’s furniture by partnering with Hildrup Moving Companies, Habitat for Humanity, and Beds for Kids.
“We knew from the beginning that we didn’t want to send usable furniture to a landfill,” said Leigh Hicks, Queens’ director of capital projects. “We were thrilled to partner with local non-profits to donate these items directly to families in need.”
Student Government Association President Jessica Paredes ’27 lived in Wireman for two years and served on the Campus Improvement Committee, working closely with Slack last year in discussing renovations in Wireman and across campus.
“I am so excited and grateful for the new feel Wireman will have and know that many students will see it as a fresh start for an exciting year ahead,” said Paredes. “Returning Royals will be glad to see their newly renovated ‘homes away from home.'”
Campus Beautification
Queens Hall, one of the oldest buildings on campus, is also undergoing complete stairwell restorations.
“The three classical stone entrances to Queens Hall are being repaired and refreshed with brand-new, uniform light fixtures and hand railings to give the historic building a clean, consistent look,” said David Haught, senior director of facilities for Elon University’s Charlotte properties. “These renovations are aimed at beautifying and returning the splendor of a grand entrance to this historic campus in the heart of Myers Park, one of the first planned suburbs of Charlotte.”
Nearby, the columns at Sykes Learning Center, the hub of the McColl School of Business, are being replaced with a durable material designed to match the original architecture, while the surrounding brick plaza is being leveled and refreshed.
The summer renovations are on track for completion by late July, well before Royals return to their refreshed campus for the 2026-27 academic year.
