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
Mixed-Use | Oct 25, 2018
Philadelphia’s uCity Square kicks off major expansion drive
This innovation center has several office, lab, and residential buildings in the works.
University Buildings | Oct 23, 2018
A building designed by architects, for architects
Kansas State University’s new College of Architecture Planning and Design places students at the center of the experience.
University Buildings | Oct 17, 2018
The Rhode Island School of Design receives its first new residence building in 30 years
The building was designed by a former RISD student.
University Buildings | Oct 11, 2018
Chapman University opens new science and engineering center
AC Martin designed the building.
University Buildings | Oct 8, 2018
One size doesn't fit all: Student housing is not a pair of socks
While the programming and design for these buildings all kept a holistic living/learning experience at the core, they also had amazingly different outcomes.
University Buildings | Sep 6, 2018
Construction begins on North Carolina State University’s new engineering building
Skanska is building the facility.
University Buildings | Sep 4, 2018
Rutgers University Welcome Center creates branded experience for visitors and prospective students
JZA+D designed the space.
University Buildings | Aug 27, 2018
Nebraska’s Midland University receives a new ‘kitchen table’ courtesy KWK Architects
The new gathering space is completed and ready for students returning for fall semester.
University Buildings | Aug 22, 2018
Skanska completes James Madison University’s new dining hall
The three-story building will open for fall semester 2018.
University Buildings | Aug 14, 2018
Following in the Ryan Fieldhouse’s footsteps, Northwestern University’s Walter Athletics Center officially opens
Perkins+Will designed both the Ryan Fieldhouse and the new Walter Athletics Center.
