Plans to Close College Street

After nearly a decade of study and planning, we are excited to move forward with plans to transform a busy street into a pedestrian-friendly, welcoming space that will provide additional opportunities for gathering and socializing. The merits of closing College Street north of First Street to vehicular traffic have been confirmed by several studies and planning efforts, including the 2025 Campus Facilities Plan, 2020 Campus Circulation Plan, and other transportation-focused studies. Incremental projects needed to accomplish the closure have been completed, and now that the second phase of the Student Life and Housing Plan is complete and Class of 1974 Center construction is finished, we are ready to take the final step to make this transformation. As part of our ongoing efforts to improve campus infrastructure, we are proposing a new Transit Hub and a series of strategic changes designed to reduce vehicle traffic on campus and prioritize pedestrian safety.

Students, staff, and faculty were invited to learn more about the project through two events on Tuesday, February 10. In accordance with City of Northfield requirements for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), neighbors were invited to a public meeting on Tuesday, February 24 to learn more about the project, view preliminary designs, and provide feedback.

See concepts presented at the sessions:

College Street Corridor Concept

College Street Bus Stop Concept

Campus Parking Impact

Local Transit Routes

The project aims to create a seamless, safer, and more vibrant connection between the Bald Spot and the historic buildings to the west. Some of the elements you will see:

• Safety First: Eliminating vehicle/pedestrian conflicts will create a safer walkway between Sayles-Hill, Willis, Burton, Scoville, and the Bald Spot. 
• Strengthen Connections: Removing the physical “street barrier” will help unify the campus landscape.
• Expanded Gathering Space: New seating areas outside of Sayles-Hill will offer space for studying, socializing, and outdoor breaks.
• Enhanced Greenspace: Asphalt in poor condition will be replaced with landscaping, native plantings, and new trees.
• Improved Transit: A brand-new transit stop north of parking lot C2 (south of Anderson), will feature a shelter and easy access to campus amenities.
• Emergency and Campus Operations: Fire and maintenance access will remain unhindered and the service drive behind Burton will continue to provide access for deliveries and other vehicular traffic.
• Parking: College Street parking north of 2nd Street will be relocated to a new parking lot being constructed near the new transit stop. Accessible parking spaces will also be relocated.

We are excited to share our progress with the campus community and gather feedback about the design and functional elements of the project. All are invited to send us feedback.