Project Challenges and Outcomes

The goal of the renovation is to transform the existing 1960s buildings into vibrant, modern residence life halls for incoming Penn State freshman. Additionally, the goal was for the newly renovated buildings to respect the design intent of the original buildings while providing a new, cohesive look throughout the East Halls complex.

Phase 2B of the East Halls project consists of renovations to Curtin, Bigler and Packer residence halls. Construction began in January 2022 and finished in 2023.

Bigler Hall – a 5-story, 63,000 SF Low-Rise Hall – and Curtin and Packer Halls – eight-story, 70,000 SF Mid-Rise Halls – contain mostly double occupancy rooms with some Resident Assistant single rooms. The residence halls are currently under renovation to support PSU’s growing student population by adding beds, upgrading technology, and modernizing amenity spaces. Like the other recently renovated East Halls buildings, each floor has single user bathrooms that have a shower and toilet to allow for privacy as well as toilet only restrooms. The halls have a common space on the main floor with a meeting room, knowledge station, community kitchen, and laundry. Additionally, Bigler and Packer Halls have a quiet room and a foot-washing room, Packer Hall has a housing office, and Curtin Hall has a residence life office and music room for students.