The iconic view of the Main Building’s golden dome from Notre Dame Avenue has been disrupted in recent weeks for Main Circle’s anticipated refresh. Construction began over spring break on the second phase of the Notre Dame Avenue construction project, which is expected to be completed by September 2025.
The project was announced in 2022 as part of the University’s celebration of 50 years of undergraduate women at Notre Dame and is currently in its second phase.
“Last summer, the first phase of construction was completed, which involved replacing the perimeter sidewalks, enhancing the perimeter landscape and replacing the driveway and curbs,” University architect Doug Marsh wrote in a statement to The Observer.
Phase two of the redesign focuses on the interior of the circle, which has been completely gutted with the exception of a lone sycamore tree. As part of the project, landscaping will return to the space in the form of flowers, shrubs and trees.
“The current work involves the installation of a new storm water sewer connection that will enhance the storm water management system serving this region of campus,” Marsh wrote.
Marsh estimated the utility work would be completed next week, after which focus will shift to the new look of Main Circle.
The new design is intended to honor the impact that women have had on the University.
“The re-imaging of the Main Circle will be a tribute at the heart of our campus to the ways in which these women have inspired, led and enriched us,” former University President Fr. John Jenkins said in reference to women who have contributed to the Notre Dame community in the 2022 press release.
Improvements to Main Circle will include a circular seat wall from which to sit and view campus. According to Marsh, the Our Lady of the University statue will return to the circle, but in a slightly different location.
“[The statue] will be moved to the north side of the Circle, so visitors will be able to view the front of the statue from within the Circle,” wrote Marsh.
The statue was sculpted by Fr. Anthony Lauck, C.S.C., an art professor at Notre Dame from 1950 to 1973.
The renovations align with the University’s campus plan, which was most recently updated in 2024. The plan includes seven tenets for campus planning, which are to be considered before any construction plans at the University take effect.
The sixth tenet states that “Notre Dame Avenue will always be the ceremonial approach to the campus with an unequivocal sense of arrival marked by a traditional campus entrance.”
The idea of Notre Dame Avenue as a grand entrance stems from the wishes of the University’s founder, Fr. Edward Sorin, C.S.C. From this corridor, which, according to the plan, extends from the steps of the Main Building to Angela Boulevard on the south side of campus, pedestrians have a straight-shot view of the golden dome.
While the view from Main Circle may be temporarily obstructed by excavators, the construction is not expected to have any material effects on life on campus. Notre Dame Avenue will remain open to traffic throughout the process.
“When the work is completed, campus will experience a more welcoming, beautified Main Circle,” Marsh wrote. “We hope that the reconstructed Main Circle will draw more pedestrians to this reinvigorated space.”
