The Pit’s renovations cause noise and closures for several more months

The University of Regina’s blueprint plan shows what the future AdHum Pit will look like amidst the noisy disruptions of renovations frustrating students and faculty. The upgrade aims to enhance the learning space and modernize the look of the AdHum building.

“The renovation work going on while the classes are underway is always distracting,” Joyner Christian, a third year actuarial science student said. “I just wish that they would have chosen a better time, like during the summer semester, when most people are off campus.”

The pounding of jackhammers and the high-pitched whine of drills make it difficult for students to focus during lectures and study sessions. Many students recognize the need for improvements but express frustration over the timing of the work.

With study spaces closed off due to the construction, students are struggling to find alternative areas. The Dr. John Archer Library, a popular study spot, has become more crowded as a result.

“Usually, you could always find a spot on this floor, but due to renovations happening around campus, some of the usual places are closed off,” said Christian. “That means sometimes finding a seat on the floor is tough.”

Workers at the site said the AdHum pit demolition started at the end of August, with renovations officially beginning in January. The project is expected to take several months to complete, leaving students wondering how long they will have to endure the disruptions.

Despite the temporary struggles, some students believe the long-term benefits outweigh the inconveniences.

“I think the renovations will be good in the long run,” Katarina McNutt, a second-year human kinetics student said. “It will be all new and nice. I think everyone wants an improvement of the environment. I have noticed it has taken a long time. That can be annoying for people, especially when their study areas are closed off.”

Derrick Izekor, a fourth-year information technology student from Saskatchewan Polytechnic, regularly studies in the AdHum building for a quieter environment compared to his nearby school.

“I come here to study because it is more peaceful and I like the view in the AdHum building,” Izekor said. “At SaskPoly, I have many distractions from friends, and it is more of a distraction than the work they are doing at the university.”

Gennadiy Chernov, department head of the Journalism school, visited the AdHum building 20 years ago and said renovations were necessary even then.

“I found it a bit old-fashioned at that time, so it required some renovations even back then,” Chernov said.

Blueprints show the Pit will undergo a few style changes including, roundabouts, bleachers, seating on the outer part of the Pit accompanying glass railings surrounding it and modernized chairs for students to sit in comfort.