$89.9M renovation project is underway at this Penn State building. Take a look

Major renovation work is underway at the Sackett Building on Penn State’s campus, part of an overall $89.9 million project that will continue for at least another couple years.

Part of the College of Engineering Master Plan, the project for the building that borders the southwest edge of Pattee Mall was approved by the Penn State Board of Trustees in November. The work includes remodeling the interior, two new wings that will be “historically appropriate in scale and aesthetics to the original building design” and an accessible pedestrian route as part of some exterior site work, according to a November release from the university.

The project aligns with the demolition of the building’s existing wings, Kunkle Lounge — which connects to the Hammond Building — and Engineering Units A, B and C.

Sackett will have 12 general purpose classrooms with between 40 and 120 seats and a knowledge commons once renovations are completed. It will also have several administrative offices for the College of Engineering.

Work is expected to continue throughout this year and be completed for fall 2027.

Sackett Building was originally called the Main Engineering Building when it opened in 1930 and was later renamed for Robert L. Sackett, who served as dean of engineering from 1915-1937, according to a university release. More modern wings were added in 1951 and 1958, with an additional expansion in 1979 that made Kunkle Lounge a connector to the Hammond Building.

Although plans to remove Hammond Building have been discussed with the State College borough, that has not yet been approved by the board of trustees.

This story was originally published April 28, 2025 at 6:00 AM.