DLA+, in collaboration with Clayco and Mackey Mitchell Architects (MMA), formed a design-build team to dramatically transform East Halls, a large residential neighborhood at The Pennsylvania State University. At a cost of approximately $450 million, the East Halls project is one of the largest residence hall construction projects undertaken by the university, with 14 renovated halls and 2 new residence halls in total.

From the beginning, a primary goal was to provide a consistently excellent experience within East Halls. Pedestrian walkways, recreational zones, and gathering places have been given as much deliberate and thoughtful attention as building improvements. New social spaces within each building are defined with glassy, transparent expanses referred to as “lanterns.” These bright, open spaces, with spectacular campus views, create a new social choreography, dramatically improving each resident’s first-year experience at Penn State. The team also integrated new systems and services, making significant upgrades to thermal efficiency and occupant comfort within tight existing physical constraints.

During Phase One of the project, East Halls saw the construction of two new residence halls – one with 336 beds and the other with 415 beds, and renovation of six existing halls which were built in the 1960s. Groundbreaking for the project was held in early 2016. Phase One took place over three successive, 14-month construction periods and was completed in the fall of 2019, for a total of 2,472 new and renovated beds at East Halls in phases 1A, 1B, and 1C.

Following the successful completion of Phase One, the design-build team began to renovate the remaining eight existing buildings as part of Phase Two of the project, which will result in a total of 4,575 new and renovated beds. For Phase 2A, renovations to Sproul and Geary Halls were completed in 2020. For Phase 2B, renovations to Curtin, Bigler, and Packer Halls were completed in the Summer of 2023. The last phase, Phase 2C, includes renovations to Hastings, Snyder, and Stone Halls, and was completed for the Fall 2024 semester.

The series of renovations and construction set out to reinvigorate both outdoor places and building spaces for the many generations to come at Penn State. Working closely with the entire range of Penn State stakeholders throughout all phases of implementation ensured a successful transformation at East Halls that achieved the university’s goals for rejuvenating both campus and facility amenities. This comprehensive transformation is the first of the student housing experience at The Pennsylvania State University.

Architect of Record: DLA+ Architecture & Interior Design
Design Architect: Mackey Mitchell Architects
Photography: Alexander Denmarsh