The Quad
The Quad environment is truly remarkable. Made up of over 28 interlocking buildings, combined into 3 distinct personalities known as college houses. - Riepe, Fisher Hassenfeld and Ware. Each college house can accommodate between 450-550 guests in a variety of room configurations.
A little history...
The buildings that constitute today's Riepe College House gather around two sheltering courtyards at the eastern end of the historic Quadrangle. Built in several phases during the early twentieth century, they adopt the distinctive mixture of later medieval and early Renaissance forms that architects Walter Cope and John Stewardson invented for the earlier parts of the dormitory complex. The buildings that follow Spruce Street were built in 1904-1910 and Thomas Penn (named for William Penn's second son) and Cleemann were designed and erected in1912-1914 with the rest of the "Baby Quad" in 1926-1929.
Fisher Hassenfeld College House surrounds the western or "Upper" Quad and includes the University's oldest, built in 1895-1900. With their design, architects perfected the charming vocabulary of English medieval forms that would come to be called "Collegiate Gothic" at Penn and around the world. The cluster of buildings that make up Fisher Hassenfeld College House are collectively called Goldberg House, honoring the generosity of Wendy and Leonard Goldberg. In 2002, the House received an extraordinary gift from alumni Alan Hassenfeld and Jerome and Anne Fisher, whose combined names create a strong new tradition in Penn's historic Quad.
The quadruple-turreted Tudor Memorial Tower entranceway, or Ware College House was designed and completed in 1900 just in time to commemorate Pennsylvanians who perished in the Spanish- American War. The buildings to the south and east were built over the next few years, but it was only in 1954 that the University completed the south range with the construction of Butcher and Speakman. The breezy eclecticism of the original buildings was now out of fashion, but the simplified style that was adopted respects the older work.
Staying in the Quad
The size and configuration of rooms and suites in The Quad Houses vary greatly with a combination of amenities that may include libraries, music practice rooms, computer labs, study rooms, and lounges. These amenities are deeply important to the quality of life and help unite guest residents as a community.
Security staff are stationed at the entrances around the clock. House Managers, and a full complement of housekeeping and maintenance staff are available in case of an emergency. Visitors are welcome, but they must be signed in by residents.
Other per guest furnishings include a twin, extra -long (36"x80") bed, desk, chair, one chest of drawers and bookshelves.