Current Projects
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Drexel Project Updates as of June 2024
Academic Resources Center (ARC): Renovation work has begun to create a seminar room, study space, tutoring and offices for the ARC inside of the Korman Center. The ARC provides space for student support services in a central and visible location. The donor-funded project includes 4,500 square feet and is anticipated to be complete in the fall of 2024.
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 Sept. 30, 2024. Current work pertains to the Academy of Natural Sciences, Queen Lane, 1427 Vine Street and 219 N. Broad Street.
Electrical Replacements: Construction on projects to replace Stratton Hall switchgear and Disque Hall motor control centers is in progress, with completion expected in July 2024. Construction to replace the Disque Hall motor control centers is expected to start in summer 2024, with completion expected by the end of the calendar year.
Façade Renovations: Academy of Natural Sciences façade repairs will begin this spring. Inspection reports for MacAlister Hall, Bentley Hall and Gerri C. LeBow Hall are due this cycle, in June 2024; some work on Gerri C. LeBow and 1427 Vine Street is anticipated within the next year to maintain compliance.
Infrastructure Upgrades: 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. Main Building Rooms 304 and 305 are receiving a new HVAC system designed for the art collection.
IT Data Centers and Closets Renovations: Over the next several years, data closets in 25 buildings are to be renovated to include emergency power, HVAC and/or security; design for the first and second groups of buildings have been completed. Construction on the first group of buildings will begin June 2024.
Laboratory Renovations: In the Center for Automation Technology, Suite 460, two environmental chambers and associated infrastructure began renovations in May, with substantial completion expected in fall 2024.
Myers Hall Demolition and Development of Green Space: The University completed phase one of the demolition of Myers Residence Hall, involving the wing of the building closest to Powelton Avenue. That wing housed large electrical switchgear that powered several buildings in the area. A small building to house new switchgear equipment is now in place. The remainder of Myers Hall will be demolished, and a new campus green space will be constructed. Completion is anticipated in fall 2024.
Vidas Athletic Complex: Construction has begun for the installation of a new synthetic field and infrastructure to install the Buckley Bubble just north of Freil Fieldhouse at the Vidas Athletic Complex.
Partner Project Updates as of June 2024
3201 Cuthbert Street (Gattuso Development Partners): Structural steel erection is ongoing for Gattuso Development Partners’ 509,000 SF life sciences development at 3201 Cuthbert Street. 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 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 for appropriate components in the College of Engineering and/or School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems. Gattuso Development expects this project to be complete in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Chestnut Street Mid-Block Crosswalk: The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is installing a new mid-block crosswalk and traffic light on Chestnut Street between 33rd and 32nd streets. The project is expected to be complete for the fall term, providing enhanced pedestrian safety for the Drexel community.
Spark Therapeutics Development at F Lot: Spark Therapeutics has completed the steel frame for its new 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 life sciences community. Spark expects this project to be complete for occupancy with offices and labs in 2026, with full gene therapy manufacturing to come in 2027.
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 mid-2024.
Construction is ongoing, with the superstructure now completed, at 3151 Market Street for the development of a new stand-alone lab building that will accommodate approximately 450,000 square feet of lab and lab-support spaces. Construction is anticipated to be complete in summer 2024.