Waring Commons Programming Study

The Pennsylvania State University’s Office of Physical Plant commissioned a professional design‑services programming study for the Waring Commons facility (approximately 78,000 GSF) in the West Halls residential complex. After a competitive, invitation‑only process that included a Letter of Interest, RFP, and interview stage, Solomon Cordwell Buenz was awarded the contract on August 25 2023. The scope includes a comprehensive condition assessment, stakeholder‑driven goal setting, space‑program development, conceptual layout and exterior design concepts, phasing and scheduling analysis, and cost estimation for potential renovation or replacement. The study will inform a capital‑project strategy expected by early 2024 and must address historic‑district constraints, campus design standards, and sustainability requirements. • Deliverables: written reports, photographic documentation, conceptual plans, implementation schedule, cost estimates, and a comparable case‑study. • Key tasks: goal‑setting workshops, condition surveys, space‑program analysis, exterior massing concepts, construction phasing options, and lifecycle cost modeling. • Stakeholder involvement: Housing & Food Services, Residence Life, campus planning, and facilities engineering.