DLA+

Architecture & Interior Design

Pennsylvania State University East Halls: McKean Hall

DLA+, with Clayco and Mackey Mitchell Architects (MMA), was selected as part of an exciting design-build team to dramatically transform East Halls, a large residence hall campus at The Pennsylvania State University. Phase 1B included renovations to McKean Hall with an estimated construction cost of $18 million.

Project Team

Owner
Pennsylvania State University
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Construction Administration
Completion Date
August 2018
Project Size
273 renovated beds
67,000 SF
Project Cost
$18 Million
Contractor
Clayco Corp
Awards
LEED Gold
Teaming Partners
Design Architect - Mackey Mitchell Architects
MEP Engineer - Barton Associates
Structural Engineer - Hope Furrer Associates
Landscape Architect - Lamar Johnson Collaborative (Formerly Forum Studio)
Civil Engineer - Sweetland Engineering
LEED Consultant: Energy & Environmental Solutions Inc.

Project Challenges and Outcomes

Challenges

The goal of the renovation was to transform the existing 1960s building into a modern residence life facility for incoming Penn State freshman. Additionally, the exterior design had to blend in with the surrounding East Halls, so all the buildings look uniform.  

Outcomes

This existing eight-story residence hall was renovated as part of Phase 1B of the East Halls Project. McKean Hall’s main floor includes a meeting room, large common area with a kitchen, knowledge room, laundry room, quiet room, and study room. It is home to one Res Life staff member’s office. The Hall has double occupancy rooms, some Resident Assistant single rooms, and a RD apartment on the main floor for a total of 273 beds. Each floor has lounge areas that can be used as supplemental housing spaces should the need arise. Additionally, students will have access to both single user bathrooms with a shower and toilet to allow for privacy and additional toilet only restrooms on each floor.

Learn more about the entire East Halls Project.