The Hawkinson Welcome Center serves as Kutztown University’s primary gateway for prospective students, families and visitors. Located at a prominent entrance to campus, the project combines the renovation of the historic Poplar House – originally built in 1892 – with a new 10,300-square-foot addition to create a centralized destination for admissions, visitor services and campus engagement.
The new facility features a welcoming lobby with interactive information kiosks, a flexible multipurpose meeting room, a catering kitchen for special events, offices for admissions staff and space for student tour guides. Modern HVAC, lighting and audio/visual systems support functionality, comfort and operational efficiency. By consolidating visitor-facing functions into a single, intuitive environment, the project strengthens first impressions, improves wayfinding and reinforces the university’s connection to the surrounding community.
What challenges did STV address?
Delivering the new welcome center required careful coordination to integrate contemporary program requirements within an existing historic structure while also accommodating campus design standards and site constraints. The team navigated design, scheduling and logistical considerations to balance preservation goals with the functional demands of a modern admissions and visitor facility.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV provided program management and construction management services throughout the project delivery process, supporting planning, coordination and implementation in close collaboration with Kutztown University and the broader project team. By balancing the preservation of the Poplar House with the demands of the new addition, the team delivered a cohesive facility that aligns historic character with modern usability, supports admissions operations and enhances the overall visitor experience.
How will the project benefit the community?
The Hawkinson Welcome Center strengthens the university’s connection to prospective students, families and the surrounding community by providing a welcoming and intuitive point of entry to campus. Serving as the starting point for campus tours and visits, the facility streamlines admissions operations, improves accessibility and reinforces Kutztown University’s role as an integrated part of the local community.
Key Stats and Accolades
- Renovation of a historic campus residence originally built in 1892, paired with a 10,300-square-foot addition
- Centralized admissions, visitor services and tour operations in a single gateway facility
- CMAA Mid-Atlantic Chapter Project of the Year, Higher Education Under $20M
