The renewal of Lehigh’s iconic Packer Hall to create the Clayton University Center infuses new life into an outdated facility and positions it as a place for community connection at the heart of the historic campus. This landmark structure, originally constructed in 1868 and expanded in 1956, was completely overhauled and transformed into multi-use destinations for gathering, dining, and working together.

Honoring History

One of the original buildings on campus, Packer Hall was constructed in 1868 to house administration, classrooms, dormitories, and a chapel. Our design renewed original, historic portions of the building, such as the iconic exteriors, maintaining the cherished “postcard” campus view from the adjacent lawn. The surrounding campus landscape complements the new life within, inviting University Center activities to spill out onto a series of outdoor terraces and green spaces. New entrances were added, while increasing the accessibility of existing entries.

Dining

The building includes a variety of dining options, from grab-and-go to a sit-down pub with full service wait staff. A programmatic goal was to provide a more inclusive dining experience for students, including spatial and operational models that allowed students to dine together, regardless of their respective meal plans. Extensive conversations with the Lehigh community, administration, and dining operators were critical to identifying the optimal balance and distribution of dining options across the building.

Scaling for Student Engagement

Students were initially skeptical about the building due to its previous condition – including being known for being unattractive and having an unpleasant “french-fry” like smell. The design team engaged groups to help them imagine the possibilities of the new facility by inviting them to participate in interactive workshops. The renewal of the Clayton University Center is a central component in Lehigh University’s commitment to inclusivity and creating a welcoming environment for all Lehigh students. The renovation provides spaces that support connections on every level— from being “alone together” to gathering for campus events.