Temple University has introduced a new campus development plan called “Building Connections,” which aims to guide the university’s physical growth and support its strategic goals over the next 20 years. The plan was presented at the Board of Trustees meeting on January 28, alongside the launch of Temple’s broader Strategic Plan.
The initiative focuses on Main Campus and the Health Sciences Center (HSC), with key elements including expanded green spaces, increased on-campus student housing, improved campus gateways, and enhanced STEM research facilities. The plan also places renewed emphasis on upgrading the HSC.
“Unveiling our new campus development plan is an important milestone for the university and our North Philadelphia neighbors,” said President Fry. “As our institution approaches its 150th anniversary in 2034, Building Connections is an exciting vision for how we can meet the needs of our campus community—now and in the future. As a campus deeply woven into the fabric of North Philadelphia, this is also an opportunity to strengthen relationships with our neighbors through community partnerships, economic development and public safety with the goal to help Temple and North Philadelphia flourish for generations to come.”
James Templeton, assistant vice president and university architect, stated: “It is crucial to review building conditions over time and assess opportunities for reinvestment and renewal. This plan is also about improving the public realm, not only for Temple, but also North Philadelphia.”
The development process included input from faculty, students, staff, alumni, and local community members. Assessments were conducted on building conditions and space usage to create a comprehensive vision that addresses both infrastructure needs and open space improvements.
Some projects under way include construction of the Caroline Kimmel Pavilion for the Arts and Communication on Main Campus. Plans are also being developed for Terra Hall in Center City as part of efforts to create innovation hubs along Broad Street.
A central aspect of “Building Connections” involves creating more green areas on campus. A new quad will be established at the heart of Main Campus to provide multiuse outdoor space framed by Paley Hall, Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Charles Library, and a renovated Biology Life Sciences Building. This area will focus on sustainability by supporting biodiversity and implementing stormwater management solutions.
The plan addresses growing demand for student housing by proposing a new residential complex at Liacouras Walk’s northern end. This mixed-use building will offer student accommodation along with retail spaces, academic areas, and recreational facilities. After completion of this facility, Johnson and Hardwick Halls are scheduled for renovation.
To improve integration between Temple’s urban campus and surrounding neighborhoods in North Philadelphia, gateways will be constructed around Main Campus featuring upgraded lighting, signage, landscaping, and pedestrian pathways intended to enhance safety.
Academic infrastructure upgrades are planned as well. The Beury Building will be removed as part of redeveloping science facilities; selective demolition and renovation will transform Biology Life Sciences into modern classrooms laboratories administrative offices—and house a new Welcome Center pavilion serving as a hub for student engagement.
A new STEM research facility is planned that will provide advanced laboratory space designed to foster multidisciplinary research across scientific fields.
At HSC—located about 1.2 miles north along Broad Street—the plan proposes improvements focused on patient care areas research collaboration opportunities connections with surrounding communities—and includes proposals such as developing a new ambulatory care center.
Development partner Sasaki Associates worked with Temple since 2023 evaluating existing space use collecting stakeholder feedback via surveys/listening sessions steering planning decisions toward alignment with institutional priorities set by President Fry after his arrival in November 2024.
Jonathan Reiter vice president business affairs/administration said: “The timing to release this plan allowed us to align the goals with President Fry’s broader vision for the university…all pieces are connected as campus development plan is built into our Strategic Plan making implementation that much smoother.”
Sustainability measures within “Building Connections” aim at eliminating fossil fuel combustion reducing energy use aiding stormwater management—and improving accessibility navigation parking/wayfinding across all campuses.
Martin Droz associate vice president planning design/construction added: “Temple’s new campus development plan equips us with a clear road map for the university’s planning and design over the next decade…It will guide us as we look at opportunities that will continue to make Temple even stronger in years to come.”
