UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Board of Trustees Committee on Finance, Business and Capital Planning today (Feb. 21) recommended the final plan approval and expenditure of funds for the next phase of the long-term initiative to renovate the East residence halls at University Park.
Phase 2a of the project includes renovating Sproul and Geary halls. As with previous phases, the facilities will receive new and efficient building systems, connection to the campus chilled water system for climate-controlled living spaces and updates to recreational spaces. Shared private bathrooms will also be added to the core of each floor.
With this renovation, the basement of Sproul Hall will see a new student lounge, laundry facilities and a seminar room with a stairwell open to the floor above. The first floor will boast a two-story addition providing space for prominent new entrances bringing abundant natural light to the common spaces on the first three floors. In Geary Hall, the ground floor will see renovated common areas and an apartment for a residential director.
Site work, including traffic and parking changes and a reconfiguration of the Findlay loading dock for enhanced safety, is also included in this phase. In addition, improvements to fire truck and emergency vehicle access, ADA accessible pedestrian circulation and landscaping will also be addressed.
The total project budget for Phase 2a is $60.8 million with support from self-supported funding. The project will eliminate the existing maintenance backlog on the two residence halls.
The multiphase renovation of East Halls is part of Housing and Food Services capital plan, designed to address urgent needs due to aging facilities. The East Halls renovation is planned to be completed by 2022. Phases 1a and 1b are complete and occupied. Phase 1c is on schedule and includes the renovation of Brumbaugh, Tener and Pinchot halls, which are scheduled for fall 2019 occupancy.
The Board of Trustees Committee on Finance, Business and Capital Planning approved the final plans and authorization to expend funds for Phase 2a of the East Halls renovation. The Board of Trustees will consider approval at its meeting on Feb. 22.