Residents of Harrison College House may be pleasantly surprised, and perhaps shocked, by the sleek silver and purple building that awaits them as they return to campus this week.
Over the past four months, Harrison has been transformed from a dark and outdated dormitory to a bright, state-of-the-art living facility.
The $26.5 million project, part of a greater $80 million project meant to renovate the three high rise apartment complexes over a three-year period, began last spring with the improvement of the exterior facade.
Though the main lounge and outside terrace have yet to be completed, the project was started and finished with less hassle than the similar remodeling of Hamilton College House last summer.
Design and Construction Managing Director Mark Wilson said that the team leading the construction was able to anticipate potential problems while renovating Harrison, thanks to the experience gained from redoing Hamilton.
"It was a great learning experience for us last year," Wilson said.
According to Wilson, a contractor will remain on the Harrison site for the next few months to monitor the building and its improvements.
Like Hamilton, Harrison includes a refinished mailroom and rooftop lounge, in addition to new furniture, windows and air conditioning units in each room. Also like the renovation work last summer, the Harrison project did not include revamped kitchens or bathrooms.
One of the major differences between the two high rises is the placement of the information and guest services center in the front lounge area. While the desk is located on the left of the Hamilton entryway, its location was moved to the right side of the Harrison lounge.
According to Doug Berger, director of Housing and Conference Services, Penn wanted the information desks "to be more of the focus when someone comes in the building," as opposed to security.
Another difference between the buildings is the design of the walls surrounding the entryway. Steel mesh adorns the walls directly in front of the main doors in Hamilton, while a colorful tile mosaic welcomes visitors to Harrison.
Harrison House Dean Frank Pellicone said that taking part of the renovation project has been one of his greatest Penn experiences thus far.
"Everyone involved has really taken pride in their work," Pellicone said, noting that there has been mostly positive feedback from residents, though the majority of students have not moved in yet.
Rana Yared, a resident adviser and Wharton and College junior who has been living in the house since her freshman year, is pleased with the renovations. She said that she found her room in "tip-top shape" when moving in on Aug. 21.
She also praised the new library, located on the first floor of the building, mentioning its ample space and view of Locust Walk as major attractions.
Harnwell College House has also witnessed some changes this summer, as work has already started on the outside of the building.
Like Hamilton and Harrison, the color of Harnwell will also be changed. Though this step may seem a minor part of the project, it is an essential component of the renovation.
The color serves "to break down the perceived mass of the building," noted University Architect Charles Newman, as well as to fulfill the University's desire "to create a distinct identity for each building."
Former Penn President Judith Rodin had the final say on what color each building would be. The interior colors of the high rises remain similar to one another.
The rest of Harnwell is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2005.
