US$13.8-Million Dorm Elevator Modernization in Store for UPenn

Two student dormitory buildings at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) — Harnwell College House and Harrison College House — are set to receive up to US$13.8 million in elevator upgrades with the UPenn Board of Trustees authorizing the expenditure in September, The Daily Pennsylvanian reports. According to UPenn Facilities and Real Estate Services (FRES), upgrades in both 26-story buildings will start in fall 2025 and include new wall panels, lighting, doors, operational hardware, motors, safety equipment and communications equipment. The most poorly performing elevator in each tower will be taken offline and modernized first while the other cars continue to operate, according to FRES, which attributed frequent elevator malfunctions to both normal wear and tear and student abuse. Each tower is served by four elevators.