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Drexel Project Updates as of July 2023

Building Energy Performance: In keeping with both the University’s goal of reducing energy and citywide mandates on energy reduction, the University is continuing inspections and repairs on buildings scheduled for submission by September 2023. Current work pertains to the Creese Student Center, Disque Hall, Korman Center, MacAlister Hall, Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building, Stratton Hall and W.W. Hagerty Library.

Electrical Replacements: Projects to replace Stratton Hall switchgear and Disque Hall motor control centers are expected to start with pre-purchasing of equipment by end of Summer 2023 and construction beginning in Spring 2024, with completion expected in June 2024.

Façade Renovations: The University continues to address exterior envelop maintenance and renovations across campus. Current projects include Race Street Residences, Millennium Hall, Academy of Natural Sciences, 1427 Vine Street, Ross Commons and Gerri C LeBow Hall. Main, Randel and Curtis were recently completed.

General Services Building: Repairs are underway to the metal decks on the garage levels of the General Services Building. Portions of the garage will be closed this summer. Work is expected to complete by fall.

Kelly Hall Renovation and Expansion: Construction is ongoing for the renovation and expansion of Kelly Hall, addressing the needs of the building and modernizing it throughout to provide an improved living experience, with occupancy in fall 2023. The renovation includes an addition to provide flexible open space, which will be used to create a cohesive living-learning community and a stronger physical presence for the occupants of the building along Spangler Walk. Renovation of the tower and construction of the addition are nearing completion.

Infrastructure Upgrades: Caneris Hall stormwater system requires separation from the sewer system and rerouting of stormwater piping out of the building; design has been completed with construction to be scheduled for break weeks in September and December 2023. Nesbitt Hall heating hot water system will be receiving new equipment and controls to optimize energy usage; currently in design, with construction to start in August with completion by November 2023. The Andover AC256 building automation system (BAS) in several buildings requires a replacement to newer BAS system which will allow for better control of the buildings, troubleshooting and energy optimization; currently in construction with a completion date of fall 2023. An engineering feasibility study pertaining to the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire systems is currently in process for Towers Hall.

IT Data Centers and Closets Renovations: The fire suppression systems in the data centers of the Korman Center and URBN Center need to be replaced with dry type chemical system; design has been completed and both are in construction with completion scheduled for fall 2023. Over the next several years, data closets in 25 buildings are to be renovated to include emergency power, HVAC, and/or security; current buildings in design are Main Building, Randell Hall, Curtis Hall, and 3201 Arch Street, with construction bidding to be in August/Sept. 2023.

Laboratory Renovations: CAT Suite 460 and two environmental chambers are to be renovated, along with associated infrastructure; currently in the design phase with completion scheduled for Fall 2023, with a construction date still to be determined. Disque Hall Helium Recovery renovation will allow for the installation of equipment to recovery and reuse helium in various NMRs and will be located on the first floor; design has been completed and is currently in construction with a completion date in Fall 2023. Disque Hall room 602 phase 1 fume hood renovations will begin construction in August 2023. LeBow Engineering Center room 336 and Bossone room 106B both require infrastructure renovations for new gas cabinets and equipment, with construction beginning in August/September 2023.

Myers Hall Demolition and Development of Green Space: On-site activities are beginning this summer for the phased demolition of Myers Residence Hall, the creation of a large lawn for student recreation and enjoyment, and associated infrastructure improvements, including a small building to house switchgear equipment.

Third-Party Project Updates as of July 2023

Drexel University Health Sciences Building (Wexford Science & Technology): Various academic and administrative functions of the College of Medicine are scheduled to relocate to the remainder of the building this spring, with classes beginning in August. Equipment installation is ongoing. The College of Nursing and Health Professions has occupied about three-fifths of this building since fall, and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies moved into the building in time to begin Winter Term in January. The building totals about 460,000 rentable square feet, within which Drexel has a nearly 30-year lease.

3201 Cuthbert Street (Gattuso Development Partners): Excavation and foundations on the former Buckley Recreational Field site for Gattuso Development Partners’ 509,000 SF life sciences development at 3201 Cuthbert Street are well underway. Cambridge-based Smart Labs, one of the leading lab management firms in the United States, has signed a lease for 117,000 SF of the building. Drexel will have both a ground-floor presence and exclusive use of the penthouse 11th floor, occupying around 60,000 SF total to house core research and business outreach operations, as well as much-needed laboratory and office space. Gattuso Development expects this project to be complete in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Spark Therapeutics Development at F Lot: Site excavation and foundation work have begun on site for Spark Therapeutics’ new, state-of-the-art gene therapy innovation center being developed on campus through a 99-year ground lease of Drexel’s former F Lot. The anticipated 500,000-square-foot, multi-story building will serve as a Roche global center of excellence for gene therapy manufacturing and will create opportunities for collaboration with Drexel and Philadelphia’s booming life sciences community. Spark expects this project to be complete in 2026.

Schuylkill Yards (Brandywine Realty Trust): Brandywine has a letter of intent with an operator of a food hall in the Market Street retail area of Bulletin Building and is renovating the space for them now, with an anticipated occupancy date in early 2024. Construction continues on SEPTA’s Headhouse adjacent to Drexel Square, with completion anticipated in late 2023.

Construction of Brandywine’s 570,000-square-foot, mixed-use building, dubbed The West Tower at Schuylkill Yards, is on schedule and on budget, with completion anticipated in October 2023. The superstructure for the entire building as well as enclosure of the exterior wall is near completion. The building will add a mix of residential rental units, life science and innovation office space, retail, and indoor/outdoor amenity spaces.

Excavation and foundations are advancing for the development of a new stand-alone lab building at 3151 Market Street that will accommodate approximately 450,000 square feet of lab and lab-support spaces. Construction is anticipated to be complete in the summer of 2024. Steel superstructure has begun and is quickly advancing.