AWARDS

Award of Excellence, ULI Philadelphia

The Penn Drexel Newman Center in Philadelphia’s University City, home to the Penn Newman Catholic Community and the Drexel Newman Catholic Community, is the oldest Newman Center in the country.  Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s University City, their new center was a conglomeration of adaptive reuse and renovated spaces, a new pavilion connector, and the reclamation of two parking lots into a lush garden and flexible outdoor plaza.  This 43,000 s.f. state-of-the-art facility integrates two stately stone buildings through the new glass-enclosed garden pavilion creating a seamless Newman Center that is engaging of its campus context.   

The Center’s program includes a large 200-seat meeting space conducive to receptions, dinners and lectures; a large lounge for informal gatherings and events; meeting rooms; offices and a chapel.  The buildings are accessed through a gracious entry plaza off 38th Street, and a green courtyard off Chestnut Street that is designed to both serve as a contemplative oasis, as well as a vessel for receptions and events.  The new center offers the organization flexibility to grow, adapt, and expand its programs, while also acting as a hub for community gatherings and events.