College Hall

College Hall was constructed as the first building on the University of Pennsylvania’s West Philadelphia campus. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a contributing property of the University of Pennsylvania’s Historic District. Home to the President’s office, the Provost’s office and academic departments, the building serves as the historic, symbolic, and physical heart of the campus.

Constructed of serpentine stone, a poor building stone, the building has required continuous and significant maintenance almost since it was completed in 1872. In 2017, AOS developed a restoration master plan to replace the remaining serpentine stone and otherwise improve the efficiency of the building envelope, and to upgrade building interiors and mechanical and life safety systems.

Three phases of the renovation are completed and a fourth is currently underway. The current scope of work includes replacement of the West Wing serpentine cladding, roof restoration, restoration and replacement of the building’s 344 historic monumental windows, and a full renovation of the West Wing interior, including new classrooms and seminar rooms, administrative spaces for the Provost’s office and the Department of History, restoration of historic corridors and significant rooms, three new elevators, and other improvements to make the building fully accessible.

Meticulous research and attention to historic construction details will ensure that this renovation will restore College Hall’s stature, physical presence, and impact within the University community.