One of four Superblock low rises, that recall the original scheme of the 1963 master plan for low rise quadrangles, but planned more with an eye toward modern housing projects than traditional academic quadrangles. The shift to brick was intended to link the complex to the surrounding community.
Links:
[1] http://www.facilities.upenn.edu/sites/default/files/pennaccess/PA0585-VanPeltManor.pdf