Penn GSE Begins Process of Building Expansion

November 2, 2018

Penn GSE has taken the first steps this fall toward a state-of-the-art building expansion. Part of the Extraordinary Impact Campaign, the project aims to bring the majority of the School’s degree programs into a central location with flexible, technologically advanced learning spaces.

Penn GSE faculty, staff, and students participate in a town hall meeting led by Philip B. Chen of Ann Beha Architects in the Silverstein Forum of Stiteler Hall.

At a recent town hall meeting with Ann Beha Architects, members of the Penn GSE community gathered to begin discussing the early phases of schematic design to link the School’s central location at 3700 Walnut Street with neighboring Stiteler Hall, add a new entrance and four-story student pavilion, create a two-story adjoining building with classrooms and an innovation lab, and ensure full accessibility. Faculty, staff, and students contributed to a discussion of Penn GSE’s work and how the new spaces can reflect and support the School’s mission of advancing education locally, nationally, and globally. The schematic design process is expected to be complete in mid-January.

Penn GSE students make use of new space for study and collaboration on the second floor of Stiteler Hall.

In addition, the recent acquisition and renovation of space in Stiteler made it possible for the School to begin the process of consolidating into a central location this fall. With the second floor and areas of the first floor, including the Silverstein Forum and two classrooms, newly available to Penn GSE, a number of programs moved into Stiteler for the start of the school year. The new spaces feature new paint and carpeting, modular furniture with movable chairs and tables, and enhanced technology and lighting.

This classroom is one of two newly available to Penn GSE on the first floor of Stiteler Hall.

A marble statue of Benjamin Franklin on the second floor of Stiteler shows its Penn GSE spirit. Records of the statue created by artist John T. Battin date back to 1884.

Stiteler is now home to Penn GSE’s Higher Education division and executive-format degree programs, including the Chief Learning Officer, Medical Education, Mid-Career Educational Leadership, School Leadership, Independent School Teaching Residency, Education Entrepreneurship, and Urban Teaching Residency programs, which have relocated from leased locations off campus.

“We will be thrilled to create a home for all of our degree programs and students and to leverage that proximity to establish new synergies, opportunities, and networks,” says Penn GSE Dean Pam Grossman.

 

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