Renovations funded by the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation returned the World Affaris Center’s Bunge Room to its original early-20th century ambiance. (Photo by Trevor Johnson’08)

Several of the college’s most well-known buildings received extensive updates over the summer, with renovations taking place both inside and out.

Thanks to a $250,000 grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, the two major first-floor classroom spaces—the Bunge and Baldwin rooms, more commonly referred to as the north and south lounges—in the World Affairs Center were updated with new floors, furnishings, and technology. The grant also made it possible to replace the building’s roof.

The exterior of the World Affairs Center was professionally cleaned in the spring of 2011, and the windows replaced over the summer of 2011, using monies received from the parent-led fundraising effort Renewing the Historic Core.

Middle College also received a significant upgrade over the summer, as its front steps and brick plaza were replaced with new red brick pavers, portico, and handicap-accessible ramps. The portico, now curved in a style that mimics the front entrance of the President’s House, was also extended by 13 feet.