Home Campus Directory | A-Z Index
2012 Summer Renovations

New Home for the Honors ProgramA New Home for the Honors Program, Development and Alumni Offices

One of the original DuBois family homes has been purchased by the campus and will soon be the home of a number of campus offices. Located along East Second Avenue, next door to the Enrollment Services building, the house is undergoing a complete renovation, both inside and out.

Once completed, the building will house the campus honors program on the first floor, and the development, alumni, and public information offices on the second floor.

The house was originally part of the DuBois family estate, and has in the past been occupied by members of the DuBois family. John DuBois, who the city of DuBois is named for, operated a large lumber operation across State Route 255 from what is currently the campus.  His own home was located where the Smeal building currently sits, and the sprawling DuBois estate and gardens included all of the property Penn State DuBois now occupies.

Purchase and renovation of the house was made possible by the generous contributions of private donors.  The project is expected to be completed in August.

 


 

 Schoch PlazaSchoch Plaza before renovation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A renovation of Schoch Plaza will completely transform this centrally located space on campus this summer. 

Located between the Swift, Smeal, and Multipurpose Buildings, the plaza provides outdoor space for members of the campus community to study, relax, or gather.  The plaza features outdoor seating, and his home to the campus Lion Shrine. The renovation will improve the overall aesthetics of the space, as well as increase and improve opportunities for casual use of the plaza. 

 

Plans for the renovation include resurfacing of the plaza with all new pavers and concrete.  New vegetation will be added, including flowers and trees, and the green space will be refurbished with updated landscaping.  The Lion Shrine will be relocated to the other side of the plaza, surrounded by more attractive landscaping, creating a picturesque backdrop for graduation or family photos. New sidewalks will be constructed to increase efficiency in pedestrian traffic between classroom buildings, and outdoor seating will be placed throughout the area.  

While construction takes place the plaza and surrounding areas will be blocked off from all traffic.  Some doors on adjacent buildings may be locked or blocked off during this time to prevent people from entering the construction zone.  All students, faculty, staff, and visitors are asked to avoid the area during construction. 

The project is funded by the Universities Beautification Team at University Park, and expected to be completed by the beginning of the fall semester.

 


Swift Renovation Project Complete - 2011

 


Swift Building After Renovation

Swift Building

The renovation of the Swift Building is complete, and the building now welcomes students for the first semester since its makeover. 

This renovation has brought updates to the heating system, replacement of windows with more energy efficient treatments, and the installation of energy efficient insulating panels on the outside.  A highly efficient air conditioning system was installed as well.

Labs and classrooms received upgrades with new workspace, and a new student lounge was added. The project plans were designed by KTH Architects, of DuBois.

The Swift Building was built in 1963, and has always provided space for a multitude of campus necessities.  The building houses classrooms, labs, faculty offices, computer labs, the Center for Undergraduate Excellence, and more.  At the time the renovation began, in August of 2010, Penn State had set aside university dollars, and secured Capital Renewal Funds from the state to cover the $4.5 million dollar cost.

 
Hiller steps renovated

Hiller Staircase

Major repairs to the outdoor staircase behind the Hiller Building are now finished.  New steps and handrails were installed to improve the safety of the staircase.

Due to their deteriorating condition, the steps have been closed off during winter months for the past several years. These repairs will allow the steps to be accessed throughout the year.

 
Library Renovation

Library

The entryway and offices of the campus library have been renovated in time for the beginning of the 2011-2012 academic year.

Updates include a handicap accessible entrance and study room for students.

The project was funded by several sources, including gifts from donors.

 

Lion Looking for What's Happening on Campus