Built in the 1960s as a dormitory for the University of Pennsylvania's female students, the Eero Saarinen building is decorated with alternating horizontal and vertical windows, a theoretical "moat" and bridge. The interior contrasts with the guarded exterior by opening to a grand atrium dining area with sky-lights, flanked by residential and communal spaces. ..

Built in the 1960s as a dormitory for the University of Pennsylvania's female students, the Eero Saarinen building is decorated with alternating horizontal and vertical windows, a theoretical "moat" and bridge. The interior contrasts with the guarded exterior by opening to a grand atrium dining area with sky-lights, flanked by residential and communal spaces.

After an extensive feasibility study in 2011, Keast & Hood was retained to design the renovations to upgrade the existing facility. The structural renovations involved interventions for the partial removal of select bearing wall elements to create more open areas, and provide for an ADA entrance, lowering of a portion of the first floor to expand the kitchen, repairs to the exterior bridge, insertion of a new elevator, extension of the southwest stair into the basement, and various floor and wall penetrations to support MEP infrastructure improvements. The finished renovations have been applauded by the University Architect and the Vice President for Facilities and Real Estate Services.

The project has been highlighted in Curbed Philadelphia, “Inside Penn’s $80M renovation of Eero Saarinen’s Hill College House” and Architect Magazine, “Hill College House Renovation”.

CLIENT: Mills + Schnoering Architects, LLC
LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA

TYPE: Academic, Historic, Residential, SERVICES: Feasibility Study, Renovation, MATERIALS: Masonry, SUSTAINABILITY: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Final Photography © Aislinn Weidele