UPenn College Hall

Clemens Construction provided general contracting services for the University of Pennsylvania’s College Hall West Wing Renovation, restoring one of the most historic and iconic buildings on campus. Originally built in 1872, College Hall serves as the home of the President’s and Provost’s offices, Admissions, and the Department of History. The extensive renovation focused on both exterior and interior revitalization, including the replacement of deteriorated serpentine stone cladding, structural consolidation of fieldstone walls, roofing repairs, and the restoration of 344 historic monumental windows. These efforts were carefully executed to preserve the building’s architectural integrity while enhancing its durability for future generations.

The West Wing’s full interior renovation introduced modernized MEP/FP systems, new classrooms, offices, conference rooms, a graduate lounge, restored stairwells, new elevators, and custom millwork. Additional infrastructure upgrades included replacing the building’s RWC and sanitary stacks with a 4-pipe fan coil system and DOAS unit, as well as enhancing electrical capacity with a medium-voltage double-ended substation and campus power grid tie-in. This comprehensive restoration ensures that College Hall remains a functional, historically preserved, and energy-efficient centerpiece of Penn’s campus.

Awards

GBCA Construction Excellence Awards – Excellence in Craftsmanship (Over $50M) – 2025

AIA Philadelphia Design Awards – Honor Award – 2025

University City Historical Society – Outstanding Preservation Award – 2025

ICRI Delaware Valley Chapter – Project of the Year Award – 2025

Photo Credit: Barry Halkin