May 21, 2026 By Mike Jones 3 min read

Washington & Jefferson College is undertaking an ambitious project to transform Lazear Hall into an innovative center for health care programs as the school expands its health sciences programs.

College officials and other dignitaries joined President Elizabeth MacLeod Walls outside Lazear for a special groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday as major renovations are underway to remake the fabled building into an interactive center for various health care-related studies.

“This project reflects our commitment to preparing students for meaningful work in health care while honoring the history of Lazear Hall,” MacLeod Walls said. “We are deeply grateful to the alumni and donors whose support is making this vision possible.”

The college’s desire is to integrate nursing, public health, physician assistant studies and health care analytics into a streamlined and collaborative environment focused on hands-on learning. Construction on the building along South Lincoln Street began in the late 1930s, and it originally housed the chemistry department until that program moved next door to the Swanson Science Center.

Fencing has gone up around the building in recent weeks as work begins on a renovation that will offer simulation and skills labs, flexible classrooms and collaborative learning spaces, some of which will include virtual reality and digital anatomy opportunities. College officials said the building’s historic character will be blended with a new, modern design and state-of-the-art technology to offer a real-world educational approach to the ever-evolving health care industry.

The cost of the renovation was not immediately released, but officials said support from alumni and donors is helping make the project a reality.

Richard “Dick” Clark, a 1968 graduate and emeritus trustee, said the renovations will help students studying health care by offering them an innovative building to immerse themselves in their studies.

“Lazear Hall has long been part of the fabric of Washington & Jefferson College, and it is exciting to see it reimagined in a way that both honors its history and supports the future of health care education,” said Clark, who is also the former chairman and CEO of Merck. “Creating spaces where students can learn through collaboration, innovation and hands-on experience is essential to preparing the next generation of health care leaders.”

The college listed Clark and Dr. Ronald Pellegrini, a pioneering cardiovascular surgeon who is a 1959 grad and emeritus trustee, as among the “generous” supporters of the renovation project.

Pittsburgh-based KIMMEL Architecture is the architect on the project, and renderings show a futuristic design with large windows on one corner of Lazear Hall while the classic nature of the rest of the building remains mostly intact. Construction is expected to be complete in the fall of 2027.