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Villanova's Campus Transformation

Villanova continues to be a university on the move with its dramatic transformation of campus. The University’s many reimagined campus spaces have enhanced a thriving living and learning community that serves the needs of Villanovans today, and well into the future. The University’s recent capital projects have included new residence halls, dining venues, academic and community spaces and athletic facilities. This vision has been realized as a result of thoughtful planning, community input and generous support from our alumni, families and friends.

Our campus, a place that so many call home, is a true reflection of Villanova’s Augustinian values of living with one another in community, pursuing knowledge collaboratively and dedicating ourselves to service to others.


LANCASTER AVENUE DEVELOPMENT

John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts

A beacon for educational opportunities, innovation and engagement across the University, the John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts was completed in spring 2020. Uniting Villanova’s performing arts community under one roof, the $60 million, 85,000-square-foot center houses state-of the art performance spaces, studios and classrooms. The Mullen Center will provide a destination where students, faculty, parents, alumni and members of the local community can share their passion for the arts.

interior facing the stage

Key Milestones:

  • January 2018: Groundbreaking ceremony
  • February 2018: Construction begins
  • Spring 2020: Mullen Center is completed

The Commons

The six buildings of The Commons, the new residential complex along Lancaster Avenue, provide a variety of living options, including apartments, suites and single rooms, for a total of 1,135 beds. Student-centered amenities include six classrooms, two fitness centers, collaborative workspaces and outdoor courtyards, providing welcoming spaces to live, learn and gather as a community. As part of the complex, there is also a full-service restaurant, The Refectory, and Parliament Espresso and Coffee Bar.

Exterior of The Commons

Key Milestones:

  • January 2017: Construction begins
  • August 2019: Inaugural residents move in
  • September 2019: The Refectory and Parliament Espresso and Coffee Bar open

Pedestrian Bridge

Connecting the University’s main campus to the residence hall communities at The Commons and on South Campus, the pedestrian bridge spanning Lancaster Avenue opened in spring 2018. The elevated walkway extends from the Villanova Station on SEPTA’s Norristown High Speed Line to the newly expanded plaza in front of St. Thomas of Villanova Church.

A daytime image of the new Pedestrian Bridge over Lancaster Avenue

Key Milestones:

  • March 2017: Work begins on new bridge
  • August 2017: Walkway beams placed across Lancaster Avenue
  • March 2018: Bridge opens

THE FINNERAN PAVILION

The Finneran Pavilion reopened in fall 2018 after a massive, $65 million renovation, kick-started by a $22.6 million leadership gift from the late William B. Finneran ’63 VSB. Everything inside is new, from the state-of-the-art scoreboards overhead to the seats along the sidelines. The facility has earned rave reviews for its revamped gathering and concessions spaces, enhanced audiovisual technology and new displays honoring the rich history of the Villanova Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs.

exterior of Finneran entrance

Key Milestones:

  • February 2017: Board of Trustees approves Pavilion renovation
  • June 2017: Pavilion renovation begins
  • Fall 2018: Finneran Pavilion reopens in time for Men’s and Women’s Basketball seasons

MENDEL FIELD

Mendel Field reopened after two years of enhancements at the start of the fall 2019 semester. New patios were built in front of Old Falvey, John Barry Hall and St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery, and new brick-paved walkways with bluestone borders wrap around the reshaped field. The work on Mendel Field was the last phase of an ambitious project to create a vehicle-free, pedestrian-friendly campus core.

Mendel Field with student walking

Key Milestones:

  • Summer 2017: Phase I work begins
  • November 2017: New plaza spans St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery and brick pavers wrap around a portion of the field
  • Summer 2018: Phase II work begins
  • Fall 2019: Project completed as walkway is finished and new plazas are added to Old Falvey and John Barry Hall


WATCH THE TRANSFORMATION

Finneran Pavilion

October 2018: See the final transformation of the Finneran Pavilion.  

Pedestrian Bridge

August 2017: See timelapse footage of the pedestrian bridge raising over Lancaster Avenue.