What: Drexel will break ground in University City tomorrow for a new $42 million residence hall. The 17-story building will be the University’s 10th dorm and house 500 students in a hybrid suite configuration with a series of shared living areas. The building, made primarily of glass, will feature spectacular views of Center City and incorporate many environmental sustainable features including a green roof. The building will open in fall 2009.Who: Philadelphia Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell will join Drexel Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff Carl “Tobey” Oxholm III, Drexel Trustee Robert Buckley and James Tucker, senior vice president for Student Life and Administrative Services, in breaking ground. Jeff Gardosh, president of the Undergraduate Student Government Association will represent Drexel students. Visuals: -Blackwell, Oxholm, Buckley, Tucker and Gardosh breaking ground with shovels. -Oxholm presenting Blackwell with a miniature shovel plaque in appreciation for her continued support of Drexel construction projects. -Students celebrating the new building with a cookout at the construction site after the ground breaking. -The backdrop featuring an architect’s rendering of the new building.When: Tuesday, May 20 from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. (rain or shine, the event will take place under three tents)Where: 34th Street between Powelton Avenue and Race StreetFacts: Students were consulted for the design of the new residence hall. The tower will feature a nine-degree twist. Erdy McHenry is the architect and Intech Construction is the contractor. \ ###News Media Contact: Niki Gianakaris, Assistant Director, Drexel News Bureau 215-895-6741, 215-778-7752 (cell) or ngianakaris@drexel.edu
