Zack Shapiro's Photo Story: Construction Under the 20/20 Plan

As part of Ann Weaver Hart’s Temple 20/20 plan, a vast number of University buildings are being built or renovated. The plan, set to unfold over the next decade, envisions Broad Street as the centerpiece of a rejuvenated campus, with an emphasis on student life and recreation. Among the expected additions are a new library, a new performance center, a green space, a new science center, and storefronts along Broad Street. The green highlighted areas represent portions of campus that are currently, were recently, or are expected to be modified by the plan.

The Baptist Temple located at Broad and Berks is probably Temple’s most visible construction project. The 127-year-old building is being converted into a performance center featuring a 1,200 seat auditorium designed to host both lectures and the arts.

The Baptist Temple renovation, estimated to cost a total $29 million, is expected to be completed in early 2010.

According to the Temple 20/20 plan, Barton Hall will be torn down and converted into green space for students. A new science center is tentatively planned to take the place of the dirt lot near 11th and Montgomery. No date has been set for demolition.

Alter Hall of the Fox School of Business finished construction and recently opened its doors in April 2009. Neighboring Speakman Hall is also undergoing an internal and external facelift to match Alter Hall’s flashy look.

Four workers take on a less grand but still important addition to the campus—a wheelchair access ramp to Anderson Hall.

The Fresh Grocer, set to open in early 2010, fulfills the Temple 20/20 plan’s promise of extra shopping venues along Broad Street.

That’s not the end of it. Plans are already underway to convert the parking lot across from the Temple into a library and to update Pearson and McGonigle Halls. Work is currently being done on the athletic fields along 15th and Norris, not to mention the newly completed, $160 million Medical School building set to open next month. Keep an eye on Temple’s evolving campus over the coming years.

Sources:

"Alter Hall Construction Blog". Temple University. 22 September 2009 .

"New Medical School Building". Temple University. 22 September 2009 .

"Office of the Provost". Temple University. 22 September 2009 .

Snyder, Susan. "Temple president's plan for the decade". The Philadelphia Inquirer. 22 September 2009 .

"Temple Baptist". Temple University. 22 September 2009 .

Wyrosdic, Kali. "20/20 plan sets sights around campus". The Temple News. 22 September 2009 .