Drown Memorial Hall Renovation

Designed by the firm of Furness and Evans, and completed in 1908, the building’s interior spaces lack accessibility and its systems are aging.

About the Project

Behind a historically notable exterior, Drown Memorial Hall's interior spaces have become less functional for modern academic space needs. The structure lacks accessibility and its systems are aging.

Infrastructure upgrades, specifically a new HVAC system and significant alterations to achieve ADA compliance, will modernize the building's systems and provide enhanced accessibility. This project will also support flexible academic and common spaces in coordination with program needs and ensure continued use of this historic structure at a student-centered campus crossroads. 

Additional site improvements will create more usable landscapes at Drown’s north and south entrances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lehigh is planning a renovation of Drown Hall to ensure the long-term preservation of this historic structure and the safety of faculty, students, and staff. As a result, the building needs to be vacated.
 

Drown Hall (built in 1908) is a campus landmark, but its infrastructure is no longer meeting university standards. The project will provide necessary upgrades, including modernized HVAC systems, enhanced accessibility compliance, and flexible academic spaces that suit modern learning. It was identified as a short-term priority in the “Making the Future” 2025 Campus Master Plan.
 

The focus is on necessary upgrades, including modernized HVAC systems, full accessibility compliance, and flexible spaces that suit modern learning and align with the vision of this student-centered crossroads of campus.

Drown Hall will be fully vacated by Fall 2026. The timeline is:

  • Now – April 2026: Finalizing logistics and move-in approvals.
  • April – August 2026: The active window for packing and relocating. All moves are expected to be completed by the end of summer.
  • Fall 2026: Drown Hall will be officially offline.

  • English Department: Moving permanently from Drown to Williams Hall, solidifying Williams as Lehigh’s interdisciplinary humanities hub.
  • The Writing Center: Moving from Drown to Christmas-Saucon temporarily.
  • Student Affairs: Moving from Williams to Christmas-Saucon temporarily.
  • Zoellner Arts Center Administration: Moving from Christmas-Saucon to Wilbur Annex.
  • Technical Entrepreneurship Administration: Moving from Wilbur Annex to Iacocca Hall.
  • Classrooms: Will be redistributed across Williams Hall, Christmas-Saucon, 472 Vine Street, and other locations.

Detailed guidance on packing and move-out schedules, along with regular updates, will be provided to affected offices as specific dates are confirmed.