Upcoming Projects and Renovations

2007-2008 Academic Year Projects

In addition to continuing the Highrise Renovations, the following projects are scheduled for the 2007-2008 Academic Year.

• English House Green Roof Replacement: Includes a new integrated roof system which consists of a perimeter of low maintenance, weather resistant greenery, surrounding an upgraded patio adjoining the existing penthouse. Benefits provided by the green roof include expanded roof life, enhanced drainage and enhanced insulation, reduced stormwater runoff, and reduced carbon dioxide impact.
• Quad Fence Renovation: Replacement and restoration of the wrought iron fence and brick that surrounds the Quad.
• New Laundry Machines: Replacement of all laundry machines in the College Houses and Sansom Place with brand new energy efficient machines. This will conserve energy resources and an estimated 4,200,000 gallons of water per year, supporting the University’s efforts of sustainability.

Highrise Renovation Project

On April 4, 2006 Penn's President, Dr. Amy Gutmann, announced a $106.5 million extension to the High Rise Renovation project that began in 1999.

We are delighted with her decision. Her support signals the University's ongoing and deep commitment to the College House system and to enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Forty-three percent of on-campus residents call the high-rises home. With these additional upgrades, we can improve the quality of life for this significant population, and for high-rise residents to come.

The details of the project include both infrastructure and student room improvements. Building-wide dual temperature risers that provide heating and air conditioning will be upgraded, as well as the electrical and mechanical infrastructures. This work is a priority. Aesthetic improvements include new flooring throughout the buildings and brighter corridor lighting in both public and private rooms. In-room work will include improved kitchens and bathrooms, with new appliances, fixtures, surfaces and storage spaces.
 
The upgrades will take four years to complete. Work is expected to commence this summer, in Harnwell College House, immediately upon approval of the Trustees in May.  Construction begins in Harnwell because some of the groundwork for these future improvements has already been laid:  during the summer 2005 renovations, some student rooms received the upgraded kitchens and bathrooms, and those students have already provided valuable feedback.  In addition, some floor lounges were installed on the alternating floors of Harnwell.  These features will be assessed for future implementation in the other high rises as the project goes forward.
 
All construction will be done predominantly during the summer and during non-academic periods.  Each building will require two summers to complete.  Work is scheduled to start on Harrison in the summer of 2007 (while work is completed in Harnwell) and Rodin in the summer of 2008 (while work is completed in Harrison). Routine summer maintenance and upgrades in other Houses, including Sansom East, are being confirmed at this writing.

We are extremely pleased that the University has chosen to dedicate resources to the College Houses. Please know that the staffs of the Department of Housing & Conference Services, and the central College House Office, will do everything possible to keep residents comfortable during these transitional periods and informed of construction schedules.