The rehabilitation and reuse of the University of Pennsylvania Boathouse represents the most significant recent individual investment in preserving and augmenting a key structure along one of Philadelphia’s cherished historical landmarks. At the start of the project, the design team, working with the University’s leadership in Facilities and Athletics, recognized the outsize importance of the rehabilitation of the boathouse facility: its success would bolster Penn athletics and recruiting, of course, but – just as importantly – it would also help to protect the legacy of Boathouse Row and affirm Penn’s past, present, and future contribution to the sport of rowing in Philadelphia.

The study and subsequent project design were based on the client’s wide array of goals: increase functionality and usable space; bolster recruiting and showcase Penn Rowing; balance the amenities allocated for men’s and women’s rowing programs; improve accessibility for all occupants; provide space for socializing and special events; remediate deterioration of the structure and create a resilient facility for future use; and preserve and rehabilitate an historic landmark.

The study led to a nuanced design approach that included a modest, sensitive addition to the existing second floor – thereby preserving the overall historic character and appearance of the exterior – but allowed a wholesale reconfiguration of the interior to provide accessible, equitable, and up-to-date facilities consistent with other competitive collegiate rowing programs. While the addition comprised only 2,400 square feet of additional area, it “unlocked” the floor plan, allowing a much more efficient and pleasing use of the total 16,000 square feet within the existing building footprint.
The reimagined arrival sequence and plan configuration afford improved amenities and programs for athletes and coaches, while also offering the ability to host events – whether rowing-related or other social functions, thereby expanding the utility of the facility to a wider community at Penn and beyond. Much like the sport of rowing itself, the reimagined Penn Boathouse respects and highlights its history while also adopting a quintessentially forward-looking stance.