Architect testifies at Villanova University conditional use hearing

Kevin M. Smith, an architect with Robert A.M. Stern Architects, testified Thursday at the second conditional use hearing for a Villanova University plan.

The university wants to build dormitories to house 1,135 students, a performing arts center, a parking garage and retail space on the south side of Lancaster Avenue on what is now a 13 acre parking lot. Smith described the Gothic-style buildings with exteriors of schist stone, which is similar to the stone facades of other buildings on the universitys campus.

Its meant to reflect the character of the buildings across the street, said Smith, who has designed edifices for Harvard, Drexel and Penn State, among many other universities. The 3 story dormitories will have pitched roofs, gables and casement windows. He envisions six residence halls in two groups of three. Students will stroll exterior walkways and gather in courtyards between the buildings, set off by archways.

The focus is on the pedestrian experience, said Smith.

The stone will also cover portions of the exterior a new pedestrian bridge to be built at Church Walk and extended to the R 100 Septa train station at the rear of the parking lot. However, Smith explained that plans call for the stone on the bridge to be broken up with other design elements, rather than a monolithic stone clad siding.

Its actually quite attractive, said Smith. More attractive than solid stone.

Resident Tish Long asked about the SEPTA bridge and Smith told her that Villanova plans to work with SEPTA to improve that bridge, also.

Residents Annamarie Hessman and Toni Bailey were concerned that the disabled people who attend Mass at St. Thomas of Villanova Church on campus would have further to go to reach the chapel. Smith said that handicapped parking areas will be designated at the rear of the parking lot next to a ramp for the pedestrian bridge. Also, there are some parking for the handicapped on campus next to the church, he said.

William Bolla, a lawyer representing Radnor Township in the matter, asked whether an elevator had been considered at the steps to the bridge nearer to Lancaster Avenue.

A variety of things were considered, said Smith. Continued...

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Architect testifies at Villanova University conditional use hearing