June 14, 2016
Source /Gluckman Tang Architects
Exterior rendering of the revamped Korman Center at Drexel University.
Drexel University broke ground Tuesday on a $16 million project to expand the landmark Korman Center and redesign the surrounding quad into a campus green space.
The renovation of the 1958 building, which houses an instructional technology and computing center, was set in motion with an $8 million donation from the Hyman Korman Family Foundation, later matched by the university.
Situated between Chestnut and Market streets and between 32nd and 33rd streets, the Korman Center expansion will be led by Gluckman Tang Architects, whose design aims to modernize the facility's appearance and function. An additional 9,000 square feet of interior space — including a lofted lobby, lounges and second-floor study areas and meeting rooms — will emphasize the link between learning and technology.
Rendering of Korman Center lobby renovation.
“We are incredibly excited to move forward with a new vision for the Korman Center that will transform the center of our campus and make it a wonderful gathering space for all,” said Drexel President John A. Fry.
Other placemaking facets of the project include large canopy trees to provide a larger "shade lawn" for students and material continuity with the recently completed Perelman Plaza, from porous stormwater pavements and granite walls to new seating and native plantings.
Rendering of redesigned Korman Quad.
Drexel's campus investments come in advance of the $3.5 billion partnership with Brandywine Realty Trust to create Schuylkill Yards and a surrounding district devoted to research and entrepreneurship. That initiative, marked by the rise of several new skyscrapers in west Center City, will take place over the next few decades.
The full expansion and redesign of the Korman Center is expected to be completed in fall 2017.
