PHILADELPHIA — The University of Pennsylvania has announced 2009 renovation plans for W.E.B. Du Bois College House, part of a continuing capital improvement effort for all Penn College Houses. The project builds upon $1.8 million dollars spent in the last five years on building renovations at Du Bois House.

MGA Partners, the architectural firm responsible for renovations in Penn’s high-rise dormitories, has been hired for the project.

“More than 100 years ago, W. E. B. Du Bois wisely noted that, ‘Education is that whole system of human training within and without the school house walls, which molds and develops men,’” said Penn President Amy Gutmann. “Today, the College House system enriches the education of all Penn students by developing minds outside of the classroom. This renovation will preserve that mission not only by enhancing residents’ quality of life, but also by providing a fine learning environment for the men and women of Penn and West Philadelphia.”

Excavation of the existing landscaping will begin as early as March 2009 with all of the major work scheduled to be done over the summer. Student room improvements will include fresh paint and new furniture. Bathroom fixtures and finishes will be renovated or replaced. New lighting, floor tiles, exhaust fans and in-room electrical panels and radiator covers will be installed. Numerous exterior and public space improvements are planned. The building’s exterior will be washed, bricks repointed and masonry restored. New windows will be installed with brighter glass, casements, screens and mini-blinds. Additional improvements are planned for the multipurpose room, first floor common kitchen, first floor computer lab, house office, lounges and public restrooms.

The Du Bois renovation project is part of a number of ongoing renovations to Penn’s 11 College Houses and the Sansom Place East and West apartment style high-rises.