VILLANOVA, PA — Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, President of Villanova University, recently unveiled plans for a new 150,000-square-foot building for Falvey Library, marking a significant step in the University’s commitment to advancing scholarship and enhancing learning experiences. The new edifice, set to replace Kennedy Hall, will be named Vic Maggitti Hall in honor of Victor J. Maggitti, Jr. ’56 VSB, whose generous $20 million leadership gift made this project possible.
This ambitious project aligns with the University’s Strategic Plan, Rooted. Restless., aiming to bolster Villanova’s status as a national research institution by upgrading its academic facilities. The design of Falvey Library at Vic Maggitti Hall, informed by the input of over 400 students, faculty, and staff, features five floors of modern, technology-enabled spaces promoting research, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and dynamic teaching and learning.
Key features of Vic Maggitti Hall include:
- Display areas for rare and distinctive collections, including manuscripts and archives.
- An expanded digital scholarship suite for research using digital tools and techniques.
- On-site general collections with browsable, compact shelving.
- Event spaces for lectures, conferences, and community gatherings.
- A dedicated student learning space called the Learning Commons, housing essential academic resources.
- Research and Teaching Commons, supporting the teacher-scholar model at Villanova.
- An expansive main entrance leading to a bright atrium, the architectural focal point of the building.
- Increased study seats and meeting rooms, including a dedicated graduate student space.
This landmark project has benefited from significant contributions from The Luckow Family Foundation, The Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Family Foundation, and The Waterhouse Family Foundation.
The $150 million construction project, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, LLP, will commence with the demolition of Kennedy Hall in Summer 2024 and is expected to be completed by Winter 2027. This initiative represents a pivotal moment in Villanova University’s history, promising to enhance the academic environment and cultivate a vibrant community of learners and scholars.
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