We are proud to recognize the Thomas Jefferson University Alumni Hall Renovations as the recipient of the Project of the Year – Restoration Award—a project that exemplifies innovation, collaboration, and precision within a complex, occupied environment.
Led by Turner Construction Company, in partnership with Payette and The Watson Organization, this multi-phase renovation reimagines Alumni Hall as a modern hub for research, teaching, and scientific advancement in the heart of Philadelphia.
What makes this project truly stand out is its scale and complexity. Completed in three carefully coordinated phases, the team successfully transformed existing spaces while maintaining ongoing campus operations. Early phases focused on relocating critical programs—including Pharmacy Sciences, ENT teaching labs, and medical media production—ensuring continuity while making way for significant upgrades.
The project then delivered a 6,300-square-foot laboratory renovation, outfitted with new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, along with advanced lab equipment to support cutting-edge research and education.
In its final phase, the project reached new heights with the construction of a 27,000-square-foot BSL-3 laboratory for Translational Medicine and a 14,000-square-foot vivarium, reinforcing Jefferson’s commitment to innovation in healthcare and scientific discovery.
Executing a project of this magnitude within an active urban campus required exceptional coordination. The team worked closely with Philadelphia’s Department of Licenses & Inspections to manage permitting, demolition, construction logistics, and even street and sidewalk access—demonstrating a seamless integration of planning and execution.
This award-winning project is more than a renovation—it’s a transformation. It reflects the power of collaboration across disciplines and highlights what’s possible when industry leaders come together to elevate spaces that shape the future.
Congratulations to all teams involved in this outstanding achievement.
