At 2 p.m. today, Drexel University will break ground on the $16 million expansion of the Korman Center, turning the 1958 building into the hub of activity on campus.
Gluckman Tang Architects are behind the makeover, which will open up the brick-and-stone building and make it more of an open, inviting space. Drexel first announced the expansion in May 2015.
"Our design aspires to give new life to the public face of the Korman Center by projecting openness and transparency and creating dynamic, day-lit interior spaces that connect with an active front porch on the Korman Quad," said Dana Tang, partner at Gluckman Tang Architects in a press release.
Renovations plan for 9,000-square-foot solarium at the entrance that will serve as a two-story lobby and community space. There will be a cantilevered terra cotta screen that will serve to protect the interiors from solar heat gain. The classrooms will also undergo makeovers.
In addition, local firm Andropogon Associates will design an ecological-minded campus quad in front of the center, dubbed the Korman Quadrangle. According to the release, there will be native plants, canopy trees and new walkways made with porous unit pavers. There will also be seating elements in the design, as well.
The groundbreaking comes months after the university and Brandywine Realty Trust announced its multi-billion dollar project Schuylkill Yards, which aims to transform the neighborhood into an innovation hub of University City.
Construction is expected to be complete in the fall of 2017.
- Drexel unveils massive $3.5 billion plans for Schuylkill Yards [Curbed Philly]
- Schuylkill Yards first built tower will be a lab-office building [Curbed Philly]
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