The University of Saint Joseph celebrated the groundbreaking of its Pope Pius XII Library and Welcome Center on June 17. The ceremony featured welcome and opening remarks from USJ President Rhona Free and remarks from Board Chair Robert Stingle, followed by a ceremonial dirt toss with university leaders, project partners, and members of the campus community.
Following the ceremony, the project team led attendees on a tour of the site, including the existing structure currently in the demolition phase. The tour offered a closer look at the work underway and the spaces being reimagined through the renovation.
The 20,000 sf project transforms the library into both a modern academic resource and the campus’s front door. When complete, the facility will feature a renovated library and new Learning Commons offering a range of settings for collaborative and individual study, along with an admissions suite, café, Welcome Center, and a prominent new public entrance. Accessibility improvements and modernized building systems will support an inclusive, high-performing environment.
Amenta Emma led programming, planning, and design for the project, working through a series of visioning workshops that brought students, faculty, staff, and University leadership into the process from the outset. O&G is serving as construction manager.
Construction is anticipated to be completed in February 2027.
