Bentley Hall and Pennoni Honors College

Originally constructed in 1969, Bentley Hall at typified a common challenge faced by many universities: a large, in this case 406-bed, residence hall that was outdated and no longer serving the needs of students. The full renovation of the existing Bentley Hall and 11,000-square-foot academic addition was delivered through a public-private partnership, and serves as the new home for the Pennoni Honors College and the students enrolled in the program.

Renovations included a full building systems update and complete remodeling of the student residential units and bathrooms. Lounges adjacent to the elevators were added to each floor, and alternate between social and study uses to help build a sense of community amongst residents. The ground floor was reimagined and connects seamlessly to the addition, which houses three seminar rooms, quiet study space, and a “living room” for the honors college. This rich, programmatic mix provides abundant options for students and faculty searching for places to gather. The new addition provides the Honors College with a new identity and is differentiated from the larger Bentley Hall through a modern stone and glass architectural expression. A front porch extending the length of the addition enlivens the Arch Street façade with outdoor seating and an unobstructed visual connection to the interior spaces.

University Drexel University

Location Philadelphia, PA

Building Size 105,000 SF, (94,000 SF residential, 406 beds; 11,000 SF academic)

Awards

Student Housing Business

Innovator Award, Best On-Campus Renovation of Existing Housing