First phase of Pollock Halls renovation nears completion

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Residential Housing is nearing the completion of the first phase of the Pollock Halls renovation with Wolf and Ritner halls scheduled to reopen in time for the fall 2026 semester.

Pollock Halls, built in 1960 and 1964 and the third-largest housing complex at University Park, is the second housing area to be renovated as part of Penn State’s multiyear East and Pollock residence hall renewal program. East Halls underwent a 10-year renovation that was completed in 2024.

The renovation project is a joint venture between Penn State and the design-build team of Clayco, Mackey Mitchell Architects and DLA+ Architecture. The renovated halls will have new and efficient building systems, including climate-controlled living spaces; improved accessibility; upgraded study, meeting and laundry rooms; new community kitchens; and shared private bathrooms in the core of each floor. The Residential Housing team also included students in the renovation process, inviting 200 to participate in the selection of room furniture and provide feedback on flexibility, storage and aesthetics.

“The project is proceeding on schedule and (Wolf and Ritner) will be ready for student arrival in August,” said Conal Carr, executive director of Housing and Food Services Capital & Facilities Planning. “At this point, all of the plumbing and framing are in place, and some tile work is underway.”

The renovated East Halls have been a great success with positive feedback from students, Carr said. However, students expressed the desire for more lounge space on each floor, and that adjustment will be made as part of the Pollock renovations.

In addition to upgrading all utilities so that systems are more energy efficient and installing recyclable flooring that meets the University’s sustainability goals, the project also is continuing Housing’s goal for renovation instead of demolition and building new facilities. By maintaining the existing structure, concrete blocks and steel are not being sent to a landfill, Carr said.

With renovations at Wolf and Ritner halls nearing completion, Housing will move to Phase 3B and the renovation of Hiester and Shulze halls in May. They are scheduled to be back online in time for the fall 2027 semester. The full Pollock renovation is expected to be completed in fall 2030.