The Past

            Realizing that an over-crowding situation exists on campus, Drexel University has already completed construction of several new buildings within the past three years. This is not limited to just housing, however. Aside from a new residence hall, construction has already been completed on a new academic building and two vital center-pieces of student life.

            To combat housing concerns, Drexel began work on Millennium Hall, a 17 story, 480 student residence hall located at the Northwest corner of campus. This $42 million building opened in the fall of 2009 for sophomores and currently houses freshman honors students at the university (Student Life and Administrative Services). Construction of this building was crucial to accommodate for future increases in student population.

            In an effort to expand not only the number of academic classrooms, but also the quality of the academic experience, the Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building was constructed on the Northeast corner of 33rd and Chestnut streets. The 150,000 square foot, $69 million building houses many academic classrooms and more than 40 laboratories. It is also one of the greenest buildings on campus featuring a multi-story bio-wall that improves air quality and regulates temperature (Student Life and Administrative Services). Addition of new classrooms and laboratories is crucial for diluting class sizes and creating more space on campus.

            Students are not interested in having extra space just in their living and learning environments. Drexel realized this as it expanded upon the recreational and dining aspects on campus. The Daskalakis Athletic Center, located along 34th and Market streets, previously housed basketball courts for the varsity team and a limited workout facility. A new, $42 million recreation center was opened in early 2010, adding over 80,000 square feet of space to the existing facility along Market street. Additions included more exercise equipment space, basketball courts, a three lane running track, a six lane swimming pool, a climbing wall, squash courts, a virtual golf simulator, and a restaurant (Student Life and Administrative Services).

            On the campus dining side, a new dining center opened in the central part of the residential section of campus. The Northside Dining Terrace, opened in 2009, brought 3 chain food franchises and a market to campus. Its convenient location, right in the midst of freshman housing, has made living on campus a more enjoyable experience.

            Quality of social and recreational facilities on campus is as important if not more important than academic and housing space. So long as students are enjoying their out of classroom experience, they will be happier during their stay at the university.