Penn State trustees set to vote on proposed $95M residence hall project at University Park

The sixth and final phase of work on Penn State University’s largest main campus residence complex is one step closer to moving forward now that a trustee committee has endorsed the proposed $95.3 million project.

Penn State’s full Board of Trustees is scheduled to act on a project called East Halls Renovation Phase 2c during a meeting Friday at University Park.

The work includes renovations of Hastings, Stone and Snyder halls, as well as associated site and utility improvements. It was endorsed Thursday by the board’s Committee on Finance, Business and Capital Planning.

The three residence halls are part of a 16-building complex dating to the 1960s. Officials said the overall project would provide more modern living and social space and add an additional 50 years to East Halls’ lifespan.

“There is a growing demand for renovated housing by incoming and returning students, as well as summer students and campus guests for camps and conferences,” said Cheryl Fabrizi, Penn State’s assistant vice president for Housing and Food Services.

The overall project dates to 2016. The newest work, if approved Friday, is expected to begin in May and allow for occupancy by fall 2024.

Work would include tying the buildings into the campus’ chilled water system for climate control, enhancing space for social activities and programs and improving bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. ADA accessibility improvements also are planned, along with exterior work on sidewalks, parking and recreational space.

Interior space would be reconfigured, but the overall bed count across the three residence halls would remain close to the existing 775, officials said.

The work would be funded through self-supported borrowing and Housing and Food Service reserves. No tuition or state funds would be used for the project, officials said in announcing the work.

East Halls was initially constructed in the 1960s with traditional, corridor-style buildings featuring double rooms and community floor bathrooms. They provided little to no community meeting spaces.

“This gives our students updated living spaces they can study and thrive in,” said John Papazoglou, Penn State’s associate vice president for Auxiliary and Business Services.

When completed, the project would provide 4,612 students with newly renovated residential spaces, officials said.

Also Thursday, the trustee committee endorsed a $13.1 million renovation of Penn State Scranton’s Classroom-Library Building, which houses the campus’ nursing program labs on the first floor and library space on the second. That work also is expected to go before the full board Friday.