Exterior work is progressing on the Penn Meeting and Guesthouse, a hospitality and office structure for the University of Pennsylvania at 3808-3810 Walnut Street in University City, West Philadelphia. Designed by Deborah Berke Partners, the project consists of a 17,000-square-foot expansion to a Victorian-style structure dating to 1898. The new facility will serve university dignitaries during short-term stays.
Rendering of the project via Deborah Berke Partners.
The project features an interesting design that pairs modern aesthetics along with the preserved front of the Victorian structure, with the only link between the two being their shared color tone. While the original structure is primarily clad in brick, the addition features wood paneling with sophisticated texturing.
Rendering of the project via Deborah Berke Partners.
An irregular fenestration with large windows will allow for an abundance of natural light, and a pleasant green space and courtyard will frame the addition.
Current view of the building. Credit: Colin LeStourgeon.
Recent photos show the state of progress on the annex, which has topped out and is in the process of having its cladding attached. Some of the windows have been installed, while the remainder remain sealed with plastic sheets.
Current view of the project. Credit: Colin LeStourgeon.
Earlier in the project’s history, it received skeptical reviews from some who felt it would look misplaced next to the historic home. Now that the façade is partially in place, it appears that the design will blend harmoniously with the Victorian remnant. The building will now stand out from the street as a progressive and intriguing design piece.
Interior rendering of the project via Deborah Berke Partners.
Nearby transits access is offered to the subway surface trolleys at 37th Street Station, in its underground tunnel portion of the line. While the project is within walking distance of all University City points of interest, the trolley will prove useful to get to Center City and the many destinations found there.
The building has a $22.7 million estimated budget. A completion date is not known for the project, though based on its current pace of progress, sometime this year is likely.
Nighttime rendering of the project via Deborah Berke Partners.
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“Victorian remnant” unfortunately that’s what it looks like now.
Beautiful building. Even UPENN does not mention this building the way they mention progress at the construction of WARB, Tangent Hall and the new dorm, but it’s good that they built the addition to host guests of UPENN who will be the guests of the University President. Even Naked Philly and Philadelphia Building and Project have failed to cover this one!
UPENN projects an April completion for the project. Given backorder issues with windows, I project a June completion.