Nave Newell worked on two projects with Villanova University and their architects, the joint-partnership of Voith & Mactavish and Robert A.M. Stern. The first project – The Commons - provides residential housing for 1,160 undergraduate students located along Route 30/Lancaster Avenue. The project also included design for a parking structure to accommodate 1,265 vehicles and a university-based retail component. The second project, a Performing Arts Center, has 400 seats in the main theater, a 200 seat courtyard theater and support space.

Nave Newell prepared schematic design drawings and a zoning code amendment, allowing the project to proceed as a conditional use plan. Additional work included coordination to obtain additional landfrom SEPTA as well as working with the University and the architects to develop a site plan to meet programming needs and with municipal staff to investigate the sewer capacity to service the project. Green space, rain gardens, and plantings replaced the impervious parking lots, resulting in a significant improvement of water quality of the stormwater run-off from the site. The $225 million,LEED Silver certified project opened to students in August 2019.

Read more in our blog: A Green Infrastructure Research Lab Grows at Villanova