Plan for new academic building at Penn State Harrisburg advances

Building will enhance academic excellence by providing flexible, collaborative spaces across disciplines

November 7, 2024

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State Board of Trustees Committee on Finance and Investment has advanced a proposal for the construction of an Academic Learning Center (ALC) at Penn State Harrisburg. The proposal will be considered by the full board on Nov. 8.

The 47,000-square-foot facility is designed to support the campus's evolving academic programming, and to meet the need for flexible learning spaces to support the current enrollment and diverse academic programs. This building will further develop the campus's academic core and will be located adjacent to the Student Enrichment Center and Madlyn L. Hanes Library.

The $47 million project will feature a variety of learning environments, including four 60-seat classrooms, four 80-seat classrooms, and four 120-seat classrooms, along with group study areas, breakout spaces, and a versatile common area designed for multiple uses, creating flexible spaces designed for collaboration across academic disciplines.

The vision for the ALC focuses on creating an immersive, interdisciplinary environment that supports hands-on, interactive learning and offers advanced, technology-rich classrooms, fulfilling the college's commitment to academic excellence.

"This project is one of several ongoing enhancements to our campus, underscoring our commitment to advancing educational quality at Penn State Harrisburg," said Penn State Harrisburg Chancellor and Dean David M. Callejo Pérez. "With this new facility, we're creating a vibrant academic space that meets the needs of our students while fostering a culture of innovation, equipping students and faculty with the resources to tackle real-world challenges and driving meaningful progress in our community and beyond."

In alignment with the campus Utility Master Plan, a new chilled water plant will also be part of the ALC project. This plant will serve multiple buildings across the campus, with space for potential future expansions, supporting the college's sustainable infrastructure goals.

The project is primarily funded by the Pennsylvania Department of General Services, with construction slated to begin in the first half of 2025 and completion anticipated in late 2026.