The $216 million project, designed by the Philadelphia firm MGA Partners, is an unmistakable departure from Temple’s commuter school character. Morgan Hall will house some 1,275 students, a student activities center, a retail food court with seating for 700, and an anchor restaurant in three distinct buildings of multiple heights including a 27-story, 312′ tower, the tallest in North Philadelphia. The elevated public courtyard, which so seamlessly ties all the elements of the complex together, is a product of the landscape firm OLIN Studio.
A successful building is probably expected to make some money for the owner; it should be capable of serving private functions, meeting personal needs. It is otherwise quickly forgotten by everyone else. At best, perhaps, it doesn’t offend; it doesn’t work in opposition to the public good.
This project is likely to fulfill those narrow private ends. Despite the $170,000 per bed price tag, Morgan Hall is a strong economic bet for a university seeking to upgrade the student experience and a factor in the algebra of university finance. Positive collegiate memories forged through an active and engaging campus life lead to strong alumni giving—such as the $5 million donation from 1980 alumnus Mitch Morgan, for whom, along with his wife Hilarie, the buildings are named.
The complex is also meant to keep students on campus and out of the neighborhood, a move meant to help ameliorate Temple’s long painful relationship with North Philadelphia neighborhood groups. “The neighbors have definitely been clear that they want their neighborhood,” says university architect Margaret Carney. “But the other driver is the impact on the student experience. Kids who have the opportunity to live on campus have a higher success rate academically. And it adds a lot of vibrancy to the campus.”
View Original