College Heights Swing Space Renovation, Penn State University - University Park, PA

Project Completion: 2019

Project Highlights: 

• HLA was originally commissioned to conduct a Feasibility Study to determine if the former College Heights Elementary School could be repurposed as offices for the University Press.

• Penn State then requested a second study and renovation to convert the historic community landmark into "swing space" for University departments displaced during construction.

• New plan provides an open space layout with furniture options that encourage staff interaction and communication.

• Designers created a new accessible main entrance into a common area with a kitchen that serves as a social and information meeting space.

• Each of the building's two wings provides a mixture of private offices along the interior walls, enclosed meeting rooms, and open work spaces near the windows to maximize daylighting.

• New windows were designed to preserve the building's historic look.

• Renovations also include a new roof and mechanicals systems.