BLT Architects (BLTa), a Philadelphia-based architectural and interior design firm, announced it has been commissioned to begin work on Drexel University's Dornsife Center. The Dornsife Center was made possible by a generous $10 million gift by Dana and David Dornsife and will be located on a 1.3-acre site at 35th and Spring Garden streets.
The Dornsife Center will be a resource hub to share expertise and knowledge with the West Philadelphia community. The center will offer a welcoming environment for local children, senior citizens, and families to interact with technology. The current site of the Dornsife Center is home to three existing buildings — an elementary school and two administrative buildings that have sat dormant for a number of years. These buildings will be renovated by BLTa to provide a range of flexible spaces that will accommodate small group meetings and workshops, as well as larger gatherings and hands-on exhibits.
“We are excited to begin renovations on Drexel's newest outreach efforts in West Philadelphia," said Michael L. Prifti, FAIA, Managing Principal at BLTa. "This project is especially fulfilling as not only will we be restoring life to a site that has sat vacant for years, but the newly outfitted buildings will serve a higher purpose of providing a harbor of learning for the local community. BLTa has a deep history of renovating existing structures and new construction in higher education settings, and we are looking forward to bringing our expertise to the Dornsife project." +
Related Stories
Healthcare Facilities | May 16, 2019
ASU Health Futures Center combines a novel design and approach to learning
The trapezoidal shape of the building is an eco-friendly feature.
University Buildings | May 8, 2019
Victory Drive Student Housing project will bring 650 beds to Savannah College of Art and Design
The project will utilize the design-build resources of Clayco and BatesForum.
University Buildings | May 7, 2019
Center for Engineering, Innovation, and Sciences opens on Wentworth Institute of Technology’s Boston campus
Leers Weinzapfel Associates designed the building.
University Buildings | Apr 29, 2019
‘One Harvard’ initiative injects new life into campus center
The university’s Smith Campus Center now offers a centralized gathering place with several dining options.
University Buildings | Apr 24, 2019
Teaching on the cutting edge of design
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Campus Instructional Facility will celebrate and foster creativity and interdisciplinary cooperation.
University Buildings | Apr 22, 2019
An old warehouse building becomes the new Campus Center at Springfield Technical Community College
Ann Beha Architects designed the building.
University Buildings | Apr 19, 2019
Curtin University library redevelopment will modernize iconic campus structure
Brutalist structure to be softened with redesign by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects.
University Buildings | Apr 16, 2019
UMass Amherst’s new copper-clad Business Innovation Hub adds 70,000 sf to the university’s business school
Bjarke Ingels Group designed the facility.
University Buildings | Apr 9, 2019
17-story Data Sciences building to rise on Boston University campus
KPMB Architects is designing the project.
University Buildings | Apr 2, 2019
Denning House completes at Stanford University
Ennead Architects designed the building.