Design Profile: The Penn/Drexel Newman Center

Situated in the vibrant University City district of Philadelphia is a successful collaborative redevelopment effort between several institutional entities—the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Penn-Drexel Newman Center, the Parish of St. Agatha and St. James, and the University of Pennsylvania—and private developer EQT Exeter. The result of this partnership has shaped; a revitalized Penn/Drexel Newman Center, the new The Chestnut at University City, and improvements to the Parish across this unique 1.37-acre parcel. 

The composition of the redevelopment of the site involved transforming a series of institutionally owned parcels and buildings to incorporate a private 30-story multi-family high-rise component that funded the new Penn/Drexel Newman Center, church repairs, and operational revenue for the Catholic institutions. With this, both the Newman Center and the Parish have been revitalized, furthering their missions and community programs. 

The Newman Center serves as the home for the Catholic community at the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. It holds the distinction of being the country's oldest Newman organization. The new 33,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility unifies two detached historic stone buildings with the modern and light touch of a new glass-enclosed garden pavilion, creating a cohesive transition that harmonizes with its campus surroundings. The Center's offerings include a 200-seat meeting space for a variety of events, a food kitchen, a spacious lounge, meeting rooms, offices, and a chapel. Accessed via a new grand entry court on 38th Street and a garden courtyard on Chestnut Street, the Center is flexibly designed to serve as a tranquil oasis for contemplation as well as a venue for outdoor masses, receptions, and events. 

This successful redevelopment project has garnered acclaim for its thoughtful integration of new structures with historic buildings and its well-designed open space network. It has also been recognized for its design, execution, user satisfaction, and its innovative private/institutional sector partnership that has created a win-win situation for all parties involved. ■ 

Project: The Penn/Drexel Newman Center 

Location: Philadelphia, PA  

Client: The Archdiocese of Philadelphia  

Project Size: 33,000 sf 

Project Team:  
SITIO architecture + urbanism (Architect)  

Studio Bryan Hanes (Landscape Architect)  

Larsen & Landis (Structural Engineer) 

Bruce E. Brooks & Associates (MEP Engineering)  

Urban Engineers (Civil Engineer) 

BEAM (Lighting Designer)  

Intech Construction (Contractor) 

Photos: Halkin Mason Photography