News

Penn Sustainability FY23 Annual Report Released

Penn Reports Continued Progress Towards Goals of Climate & Sustainability Action Plan 3.0

Fisher Fine Arts Library Honored with 50 Year/Timeless Award

In November, the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) awarded Penn’s Fisher Fine Arts Library its prestigious 50 Year/Timeless Architecture award. Each year the award recognizes a building that has endured the test of time and still resonates with the design community and the public. The Fisher Fine Arts Library, nicknamed Furness Library after its maverick designer Frank Furness, was completed in 1891. Furness’s design was revolutionary, pioneering the concept of separating book storage from other library functions like quiet study or group work. Isolating book...

Graduate School of Education celebrates expansion and renovation

Completed in summer 2023, the $35.5 million addition to the Graduate School of Education at the southwest corner of 37th and Walnut Streets creates a new welcoming entrance to connect the existing Graduate School of Education and Stiteler buildings. The addition focuses on connectivity, flexibility, and accessibility and allows the GSE to consolidate many of their functions into one location. It houses instructional laboratories, mixed-use classrooms, offices and student collaboration space within 16,200 GSF of new space and 16,900 GSF of renovated space. Read more about the new space, built...

Amy Gutmann Hall Topping Off

Following tradition, in July, members of the University community gathered to celebrate the placement of the final mass timber wood panel on Penn’s new data science building, Amy Gutmann Hall. Scheduled for completion in summer 2024, Amy Gutmann Hall will serve as a campus hub for cross-disciplinary collaborations, centralizing resources and making the tools and concepts of data analysis more accessible to the entire Penn community. Read more about this important tradition in Penn Today.

The Accolade on Chestnut Housing Redevelopment

Greystar, Penn Cut Ribbon on The Accolade on Chestnut PHILADELPHIA (August 9, 2023) — Greystar Real Estate Partners, LLC (“Greystar”), a global leader in the investment, development, and management of real estate, including rental housing, logistics and life sciences, and the University of Pennsylvania celebrated the grand opening of The Accolade on Chestnut, a redevelopment of an existing building intended to serve as a graduate housing community. The updated community is 100 percent leased with move-ins beginning on August 18. “We are excited to officially open The Accolade on Chestnut with...

Penn Projects Honored at AIA's Architectural Excellence Awards

Each year, the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) celebrates the best architecture in the state with its Architectural Excellence Awards. In November, three Penn projects received these prestigious awards. The 50 Year/Timeless Architecture Award, which recognizes a building that still resonates with today’s design community and general public, was given to the Fisher Fine Arts Library, c elebrated for its innovative function and form that set an enduring standard for libraries. The Burk-Bergman Boathouse, which underwent a renovation in 2021 that modernized its...

Three Penn Projects Honored by Preservation Alliance of Philadelphia

Three recent Penn construction projects have been awarded 2023 Grand Jury Awards from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia: the Burk-Bergman Boathouse renovation and addition, repairs to the David Goddard Research Laboratories (Goddard), and the renovation of historic Kelly Writer's House. The Burk-Bergman Boathouse, also known as the Penn Boathouse, project was completed in summer 2022. The primary goal of the renovation project was to restore the original historic boathouse and bolster recruitment for Penn Rowing by creating more usable space, improving accessibility, and...

Student Performing Arts Center Moves Forward

In June 2023, Penn's Board of Trustees reviewed and approved the design for a new $75M, 37,300 sq. ft. Student Performing Arts Center to be constructed at the intersection of Chestnut Street and Woodland Walk, adjacent to Lauder and Hill college houses. Read more about the exciting new project's development in Penn Today, and visit the project page.

Preservation Alliance Awards for Three Penn Projects

Three recent Penn construction projects have been awarded 2023 Grand Jury Awards from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia: the Burk-Bergman Boathouse renovation and addition, repairs to the David Goddard Research Laboratories (Goddard), and the renovation of historic Kelly Writer's House. Read more about these projects and the prestigious awards on the FRES Awards & Recognition page.

Pennovation Works 2022 Year in Review

In 2022, Pennovation Works, like many other ecosystems and institutions, saw an increase in activity and reactivation of the space as we continued the return to normalcy from the pandemic years. In addition to the reinvigoration of the space, Pennovation Works announced new leadership and staff, programming, and most notably, advancements in the overall development of the 23-acre site. Throughout the year, a number of researchers, entrepreneurs, and business experts diligently worked to find answers to some of the most pressing questions of our time, in the fields of healthcare, biotechnology...

Vagelos Labs Topping Off

A special topping off ceremony of the Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology (VLEST) was held on a cold day in January 2023. Members of the Penn community gathered to sign the final steel beam before it was hoisted on top of the building in a long-standing builders' tradition. The $173M facility, located at 32nd and Walnut streets, will house the next generation of energy research programs that integrate expertise from the School of Arts & Sciences and School of Engineering and Applied Science. VLEST will incude a flexible wet chemistry and optics lab, collaborative spaces, and...

Recent Awards & Recognition

Several Penn building projects and sustainability initiatives have been recognized over the past few months.

40th and Walnut Streets Redevelopment

A six-story, 50,000 GSF facility, is planned for the Corner of 40th and Walnut Streets and will include a ground floor McDonald’s restaurant. PHILADELPHIA, PA (January 13, 2023) – The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) and McDonald’s USA, LLC (McDonald’s) announced the mixed-use redevelopment of the existing McDonald’s structure located at 3935 Walnut Street. This new six-story facility will include the reopening of a fully modernized McDonald’s restaurant on the first floor of the building. As part of a broader ongoing investment by Penn in the 40th Street Corridor, the University of...

FRES in the News 2023

A list of media coverage in Penn publications and other news outlets. Visit FRES in the News 2022 for last year's stories. Construction Nears Completion At Amy Gutmann Hall In UPenn In University City, West Philadelphia December 31, 2023, YIMBY A space for lifesaving, collaborative work November 22, 2023, Penn Today The Singh Center for Nanotechnology turns 10 November 20, 2023, Penn Today What’s That? Fisher Fine Arts Library windows November 14, 2023, Penn Today Penn’s urban forest November 13, 2023, Penn Today Penn reports success on Climate and Sustainability Action Plan goals November 7...

Historic Marker Unveiled for the Palestra

In December 2022, a ceremony was held to unveil a historical marker from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) outside the Palestra, honoring the historical significance of Penn's "Cathedral of College Basketball." Built at Penn in 1927, at the time the Palestra was one of the largest arenas in the world, seating 10,000 fans. Its revolutionary design featured superior sight lines and sat spectators in bleachers close to the court, removing barriers between spectators, coaches, and players. For years, the Palestra hosted Big 5 college matchups, some of the most storied...

Restoration of Penn's Boathouse Completed

The addition and renovation to the University of Pennsylvania Boathouse, renamed as the Burk-Bergman Boathouse in honor of two legendary Penn Rowing coaches, was completed in late summer 2022. Originally constructed in 1875, and recognized for its historic significance at the local and national levels, the Boathouse is located along the Schuylkill River on Philadelphia's iconic Boathouse Row. The primary goal of the renovation project was to showcase the history of Penn Rowing and bolster recruitment for the program by restoring the original historic boathouse while creating more usable space...

New Restaurant Openings in University City

Five Guys Five Guys has started serving its popular burgers, fries, and shakes in its newest Philadelphia location at 3714 Spruce Street! Stop in today for a burger, hand-cut fries, or one of 1,000 milkshake combinations, and see why Five Guys remains a worldwide customer favorite. Delco Steaks Cheesesteak shop Delco Steaks opened at Franklin's Table Food Hall in December 2022. The local chain is committed to using Delaware Valley sourced meats and dairy and won a 'Best of Philly' nod from Philly Mag in 2021. Read more about this exciting new addition to Franklin's Table on the Shop Penn...

New Pennovation Life Sciences Facility

In June, the University of Pennsylvania announced that the next phase of development at the Pennovation Works campus would include a 455,000-square-foot life sciences facility along 34th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue. The building will include roughly 387,000 square feet dedicated to biological research and development and 68,000 square feet for biomanufacturing and will be designed to integrate visually with the existing Pennovation Works campus structures. Construction is scheduled to begin next year, with the building opening planned for 2025. Read more about this exciting new chapter for...

Weitzman Hall Ceremonial Groundbreaking

An October 25th ceremonial groundbreaking, led by designer Stuart Weitzman and Penn President Liz Magill, marked the official beginning of the transformation of Weitzman Hall. Currently in the schematic design phase, Weitzman Hall, formerly known as the Morgan Building, will be renovated and expanded, doubling the existing space. The first major capital project for the Weitzman School of Design in more than 50 years, the new addition on the east side will feature a grand entrance foyer, a glass-walled exhibition gallery that opens to a covered outdoor patio, individual and multi-seat studios...

2022 Green Purchasing Awards Announced

The University of Pennsylvania's 2022 Green Purchasing Awards were recently granted to Danielle Cavalcanto, Associate Director of Interiors with the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) and the Division of Finance's Disbursements Department. Presented by Penn Procurement Services and Penn Sustainability, in alignment with Penn's Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 3.0, the Green Purchasing Awards recognizes the leading actions of any individual or team that advances the development of sustainable purchasing practices at Penn. Danielle Cavalcanto was recognized for instilling sustainable...

Campus Construction Update

In August, Penn Today featured a story on the many construction projects underway on campus during the summer of 2023. The complete interior renovation of Stouffer College House was finished in time for move in, as was the renovation and expansion of the Graduate School of Education (GSE), featuring community and collaborative spaces, a new entryway, and improved accessibility. Check out the story in Penn Today to read more about these projects and more, all of which our FRES staff worked to shape from concept to construction.

Penn Receives Top Ten Ranking for Sustainability Efforts

In October 2022, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a global higher education analytics company, announced that Penn ranks #2 in the nation and #8 globally in their 2023 World University Rankings for Sustainability. QS used eight indicators to test the universities based on two measures: sustainability and social impact. The overall sustainability of each school was determined by scores in categories of sustainable institutions, sustainable education, and sustainable research. Social impact measures include equality, knowledge exchange, educational impact, employability and opportunities, and quality...

Penn's Campus Maintains Level II Arboretum Status

In November 2022, Penn's campus in West Philadelphia was given renewed accreditation as a Level II arboretum, ensuring its status for the next five years. First recognized as a Level I arboretum in early 2017 by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program, Penn's campus is an urban forest with more than 6,500 trees in its collection, over 240 species of trees and shrubs, ten specialty gardens, and five urban parks. To achieve Level II status in late 2017, Penn's campus met the heightened criteria of developing a minimum of 100 species, varieties, or cultivars of trees or woody plants, as well...

Get Outside with the Penn Plant Explorer

Are you interested in learning more about the trees and plants on Penn's campus? Or, as the weather warms, in spending more time with friends outdoors? The Penn Plant Explorer Interactive website is an excellent resource for anyone looking to get outside, discover campus gardens, or find a quiet green space to relax. Users can also take staff-curated tours, and locate and identify trees and plants. Learn more about what you can do with the Penn Plant Explorer on the Morris Arboretum website, and get busy enjoying our green campus.

Gutmann College House Awarded LEED Silver Status

Gutmann College House, Penn's 450-bed residential building located at 40th and Walnut streets, has been awarded Silver Level LEED Certification. Completed in 2021, Gutmann College House was designed specifically as an undergraduate college house, part of Penn's residential system of shared communities. In addition to its suites, the student dormitory provides common areas including study, living, seminar and music practice rooms, as well as the Quaker Kitchen, a spacious area designed for cooking education and demonstrations. On its LEED scorecard, Gutmann College House scored points for its...

Weitzman Plaza Dedication

On May 13th, 2022, students, faculty, staff, and visitors from across Penn gathered to celebrate the reimagined Stuart Weitzman Plaza, located between Meyerson Hall and the Fisher Fine Arts Library. Named for Penn alumnus Stuart Weitzman, for whom the School of Design is also named and who spoke at the dedication, Weitzman Plaza features high-backed wooden benches for gathering, careful landscaping, and a wide staircase, increasing campus connectivity across 34th street. Read more about the dedication in Penn Today, and watch a video about the plaza's history, on the school's Vimeo channel.

Thirteenth Year in a Row for Tree Campus Higher Education Honor

For the thirteenth year in a row, Penn has been named a Tree Campus Higher Education (formerly known as Tree Campus USA) by the Arbor Day Foundation. The Tree Campus Higher Education program recognizes college and university campuses that effectively manage their campus trees. To continually obtain this distinction, the University of Pennsylvania has met the five core standards for sustainable campus forestry required by Tree Campus Higher Education, including the establishment of a tree advisory committee, evidence of a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for your campus tree...

Cascode Art Installation Commissioned

Located at the northeast corner of 34th and Chestnut Streets, the forthcoming Amy Gutmann Hall will serve as the hub for Penn Engineering's IDEAS Initiative, a wide-ranging investment in data science: the field of research that analyzes and combines massive quantities of digital information to make otherwise impossible discoveries, models, and predictions. Penn Engineering has now awarded polymedia artist Eto Otitifbe a commission to create Cascode, a landmark public art installation that embodies this initiative, as part of the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation's (PHDC) Percent for...

Sansom Place East Redevelopment Underway

The University of Pennsylvania and Greystar Real Estate Partners announced their partnership in the mixed-use redevelopment of existing student housing at 3600 Chestnut Street. The project will provide 588 beds in 473 units of furnished, attainably priced, graduate-focused housing and a rich amenity base designed to serve the needs of today's Penn graduate students. Greystar has teamed with Philadelphia-based Barton Partners Architecture and Hunter Roberts Construction Group to complete a comprehensive renovation and modernization of Sansom Place East, while maintaining the exterior design...

FRES Staff Honored with 2022 Models of Excellence Awards

In March, numerous FRES team members were honored with 2022 Models of Excellence Awards, one of the University's highest honors for staff. The Quaker Kitchen Project team, which included Michael Doherty, Dave Dunn, Ke Feng, Mark Kocent, Jackie Schlindwein, and Mariette Buchman, were honored with a team award for their work incorporating an innovative community dining experience into New College House on a very tight schedule. An honorable mention was given to the Redundant Steam Line Project team, which included Daniel Hazley, Walt Molishus, Robert Piasecki, Roy Stein, Ben Suplick, John Zurn...

New College House Opens at 40th Street

The 250,000 sq. ft. New College House, located at 40th street and Locust Walk, was completed in summer 2021, and welcomed its first student residents for the fall semester. The $160M, 448-bed college house is the 13th on Penn's campus, and features common areas like a life skills kitchen, study, seminar, and practice rooms. Read more about the university's newest college house in Penn Today, and see photos of its stunning interior in the Daily Pennsylvanian.

Celebrating five years of Pennovation

November 2021 marked the five year anniversary of the opening of the Pennovation Center, Penn's groundbreaking innovation hub for researchers and entrepreneurs. This story from Penn Today reflects on the excitement of the Center's opening, major milestones of the last five years, the evolution of the Pennovation Works campus, and what its future holds.

New Data Science Building named Amy Gutmann Hall

On October 1, Penn's School of Engineering and Applied Science held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new data science building, unveiling its new name, Amy Gutmann Hall. President Gutmann is Penn's longest-serving President, and her term will conclude at the end of the 2021-2022 academic year. The data science building is currently in the planning phase, with construction expected to begin in spring 2022. It will serve as a cross-disciplinary hub, connecting research and data across Penn's 12 schools and numerous academic centers, and will include active learning classrooms, collaborative...

Penn Libraries opens Biotech Commons

The Penn Libraries have transformed their Biomedical Library into Biotech Commons, a multidisciplinary, flexible-learning facility located at the heart of campus. Read more about the $11.5M renovation, and see the features of the state-of-the-art space, at Penn Today.

FRES FY21 Annual Report Released

The University of Pennsylvania’s Division of Facilities and Real Estate Services oversees and maintains the University’s physical infrastructure while working closely with Penn Schools, Centers, Health System, and city, state, and government agencies towards the goals in the Penn Compact, the Penn Connects plan, and our Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 3.0. This report captures the highlights, progress, and accomplishments of our team over the past fiscal year (unless otherwise noted) on a multitude of projects and initiatives as we collaborate for a sustainable tomorrow. Download a PDF...

Five Guys comes to University City

Five Guys will soon be serving its popular burgers, fries, and shakes in its newest University City location at 3714 Spruce Street. Expected to open in late fall of 2021, the new space will be easily accessible from the Quad and the center of campus. Read more about what Five Guys brings to campus on the SHOP PENN website.

FRES in the News 2022

A list of media coverage in Penn publications and other news outlets.

Fueling Business Growth Campaign Launches

In the summer 2021, Penn's Procurement Services launched the new Fueling Business Growth campaign. Part of the university's Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Program, the campaign is designed to increase diversity purchasing and procurement in order to support businesses in Philadelphia. By engaging with local, minority, LGBTQ+, women-owned businesses, veterans, and businesses owned by people with disabilities, Penn wants to take the lead on supporting small and diverse businesses in order to raise their profiles and provide a boost to the local economy. Learn more about the campaign, and the...

Plans for new Performing Arts Center

Penn's President Amy Gutmann announced in August that the university had started the planning process for a new student performing arts center at 33rd street and Woodland Walk. With a proposed budget of $31M, the center would be student-centered and include a dedicated performing arts space for undergraduate students, and include a 450-seat theater and contemporary stage. Read more about the proposed center, and a reinvigorated commitment to the arts at Penn, in Penn Today.

FRES In the News 2021

A list of media coverage in Penn publications and other news outlets.

Large-scale bronze sculpture installed on College Green

'Brick House,' a bronze sculpture by acclaimed artist Simone Leigh, was installed at 34th and Walnut streets in early November. Weighing close to 6,000 lbs., the piece depicts a Black woman’s head atop a form that suggests a skirt or perhaps a building. It is the first large-scale piece in the artist’s Anatomy of Architecture series that merges human form with diverse architectural elements. Read more about the sculpture and how it came to Penn in this article from Penn Today.

Pennovation Lab Open

The 65,000 GSF Pennovation Lab Building is a rentable, multi-tenant laboratory and office building located within Pennovation Works. Focused toward companies that have outgrown their original space and are ready to expand, the Lab Building contains 2,000 SF modules that can be combined or subdivided based on tenant needs. The Lab Building’s proximity to the Pennovation Center and several other renovated research facilities contributes to the spirit of community and collaboration on the Pennovation Works site. Read more about what it has to offer on the Pennovation website.

Penn Signs Power Purchase Agreement

University of Pennsylvania Signs Power Purchase Agreement with Community Energy for Largest Solar Project in PA For Release: April 13, 2020 Contact: Amanda Mott, Associate Director for News, University Communications, University of Pennsylvania, ammott@upenn.edu, (W) 215.898.1422 Jennifer Rizzi, Communications Director, Facilities & Real Estate Services, University of Pennsylvania, rizzi@upenn.edu, (W) 215.573.6107 The University of Pennsylvania has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the creation of a solar power project moving the University significantly closer to meeting its...

Penn West Philadelphia Campus Accredited as an Arboretum

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA WEST PHILADELPHIA CAMPUS ACCREDITED AS AN ARBORETUM PHILADELPHIA, Pa (April 6, 2017) – The University of Pennsylvania campus in West Philadelphia is now officially recognized as an arboretum, the University’s Division of Facilities and Real Estate Services (FRES) announced today. Penn’s urban campus has achieved particular standards of professional practices deemed important for arboreta and botanic gardens, and therefore has been awarded a Level I Accreditation by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program. Penn’s nearly 300 acres in West Philadelphia are the...

FRES Faces Staff Profiles

FRES has highlighted some of our outstanding staff members with profiles created by each individual, showcasing a little more about their role and accomplishments in our department, favorite places on campus, and what inspires them along the way to make an impact, be innovative, or engage with our community. Thank you for being the FACE of FRES! James Allen, Operations & Maintenance Bob Angstadt, Design & Construction Jaynette Arrington, Administration (2021) Taylor Berkowitz, Office of the University Architect Mark Breitenbach, Design & Construction Terence Brooks, Design & Construction Chloe...

Renovation of Quadrangle Approved

Penn's historic Quadrangle dormitories, originally constructed in 1895, are set to be renovated in a phased construction process that will accommodate students living in the dorms during the academic year. The $200M renovations will include the renovation of restrooms and finishes in student rooms, increased ADA accessibility, and the replacing of aging infrastructure systems. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.

Update to Stouffer College House

At the February 2021 meeting of the Trustees Facilities and Campus Planning Committee, Penn announced plans for the renovation of Stouffer College House. One of Penn’s original College Houses, built in 1972, the $29.8M Stouffer College House reconstruction will include a full renovation of all student rooms as well as the installation of single use restrooms and student amenity spaces. The project is expected to be completed in 2023.

Twelfth Year in a Row for Tree Campus USA Honor

For the twelfth year in a row, Penn has been named a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. The Tree Campus USA program recognizes college and university campuses that effectively manage their campus trees. To continually obtain this distinction, the University of Pennsylvania has met the five core standards for sustainable campus forestry required by Tree Campus USA, including the establishment of a tree advisory committee, evidence of a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and the sponsorship of student service...

Bird-Friendly Penn Invites Submissions for Design Ideas Competition

It is estimated that up to 1 billion birds are killed in building window collisions in the U.S. every year. Bird Friendly Penn, a program led by FRES's Landscape Architecture Group in partnership with Penn Sustainability and Weitzman Landscape Architecture, monitors bird-strikes, encourages the use of bird-friendly design guidelines and mitigates threats on new and existing campus buildings. In their latest effort, students from the Weitzman School of Design are invited to create signage for Penn buildings to help birds steer clear and minimize the fatal collisions that are now commonplace...

Penn Awarded Silver Designation as a Bicycle Friendly University

In fall 2022, Penn was awarded a Silver designation as a Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) from the League of American Bicyclists. Lasting through 2026, the Silver designation recognizes the University's commitment to campus sustainability and community health by promoting a safe and bicycle friendly environment. The Bicycle Friendly University application assesses 5 main criteria areas: engineering, education, encouragement, evaluation, and equity efforts, and universities are graded by a judging panel. Penn received its first Silver designation as a Bicycle Friendly University in 2014, and...

Facilities & Real Estate Services FY22 Annual Report

We are proud to present the Facilities & Real Estate Services FY22 Annual Report, a narrative of our Division’s fulfillment of our mission in an environment of transition and adaptation. What has remained consistent is FRES’ commitment to the work that we do for and with the Penn Community: Plan, Design, Construct, Operate, Maintain, and Renew. It is in these six actions that we have, through FY22, advanced campus development, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, established a new Capital Plan, promoted and hired a record number of new employees, endeavored to improve our efforts in diversity...