Drexel University

College of Medicine at Tower Health, Medical Education Building

the story

Drexel University partnered with Tower Health to establish a second campus for the Drexel University College of Medicine, expanding access to academic medicine in an underserved area of northeast Pennsylvania. Designed by SLAM and developed with Equus Capital Partners, the new medical school occupies a prominent site overlooking the Schuylkill River and the City of Reading. Its design responds to the setting with a grounded masonry base and a lighter, glass-enclosed upper level crowned by a roof terrace, expressing both permanence and aspiration.

at-a-glance

TYPE:

New Building

SERVICES:

Architecture

Interior Design

Lab/Sim Planning

Landscape Architecture

Programming & Planning

Structural Engineering

LOCATION:

Wyomissing, PA

STATUS:

Completed 2021

SIZE:

183,500 SF

Insight

The project goal was to expand access to high-quality medical education while directly addressing physician shortages in northeast Pennsylvania. By establishing a four-year regional campus in partnership with Tower Health, Drexel University sought to create a sustainable pipeline of future physicians who would train locally, serve the surrounding community, and strengthen the region’s long-term healthcare infrastructure.

Solution

SLAM addressed the goal by designing a flexible, highly visible medical education facility overlooking the Schuylkill River and Reading that supports contemporary medical education and reinforces a strong academic presence in the community. Because class size was planned to increase gradually, SLAM included large fixed elements such as the anatomy lab in the initial construction, while leaving other areas to expand over time. Two shelled floors were added to accommodate future growth and unforeseen opportunities.

Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health

The building’s curved form follows the eastern edge of the site, reflecting the railroad tracks and river below to strengthen its connection to place. A two-story masonry base accommodates internally oriented spaces, while the upper floors position student and faculty areas to take advantage of the extraordinary views, supporting an inspiring academic environment.

This building and its layout will help the campus to build community and also encourage our students to make strong connections to faculty, staff and professionals. “Education, innovation, research and collaboration will thrive in one central, unifying space.

Orcel Kounga

Director of Admissions and Student Affairs

To meet the ambitious 30-month schedule from design through occupancy, the team fostered close collaboration between the architect and construction manager, streamlining decision-making and coordination. Prefabrication of much of the exterior envelope off site further accelerated construction, enabling the project to achieve its timeline without compromising quality.

The masonry base draws from the local vernacular architecture, establishing a strong connection to the community while visually supporting and elevating the lighter upper stories to express the project’s forward-looking identity.

Impact

The project established a full four-year medical campus in an underserved region, expanding access to medical education and creating a pipeline of physicians trained locally. It strengthened the partnership between Drexel University and Tower Health, enhanced the regional healthcare workforce, and brought a prominent academic presence to the Reading area. The facility’s flexible design also allows the school to grow and adapt over time, supporting long-term educational and community impact.

<p>Set at the top of a gentle rise from the street, the inviting two-story entry heightens the building’s visibility and civic presence, creating a strong first impression and a welcoming point of arrival for the campus community.</p>

Set at the top of a gentle rise from the street, the inviting two-story entry heightens the building’s visibility and civic presence, creating a strong first impression and a welcoming point of arrival for the campus community.

<p>The building’s most heavily used spaces are organized around a central two-story atrium, creating a vibrant hub that encourages interaction and collaboration. Overlooking the lobby, the student café is prominently positioned a few steps above, activating the heart of the building. Designed to transition from a vending lounge to a full vendor-operated food service as enrollment grows, the space supports both immediate needs and the project’s long-term vision for a dynamic campus community.</p>

The building’s most heavily used spaces are organized around a central two-story atrium, creating a vibrant hub that encourages interaction and collaboration. Overlooking the lobby, the student café is prominently positioned a few steps above, activating the heart of the building. Designed to transition from a vending lounge to a full vendor-operated food service as enrollment grows, the space supports both immediate needs and the project’s long-term vision for a dynamic campus community.

<p>Admissions is prominently positioned along the central atrium, increasing its visibility and accessibility while reinforcing a welcoming, student-centered first point of contact within the building.</p>

Admissions is prominently positioned along the central atrium, increasing its visibility and accessibility while reinforcing a welcoming, student-centered first point of contact within the building.

The Team-Based Learning Theater supports large lectures and small group sessions, promoting collaboration and active learning.

<p>The state-of-the-art simulation center, with six flexible rooms, enhances hands-on training and prepares students for real-world clinical challenges.</p>

The state-of-the-art simulation center, with six flexible rooms, enhances hands-on training and prepares students for real-world clinical challenges.

<p>A variety of study environments supports diverse learning styles, empowering students to engage more effectively and fostering a culture of academic success throughout the building.</p>

A variety of study environments supports diverse learning styles, empowering students to engage more effectively and fostering a culture of academic success throughout the building.

<p>The third-story roof terrace offers commanding views of the Schuylkill River valley, creating an inspiring space that connects the building to its surrounding landscape and enhances the campus experience.</p>

The third-story roof terrace offers commanding views of the Schuylkill River valley, creating an inspiring space that connects the building to its surrounding landscape and enhances the campus experience.

The opening of this campus is so gratifying and solidifies our college’s vision for a truly community-integrated medical college that spans urban, suburban and rural populations. This campus will serve as the intersecting point of our high-quality medical education, patient care, research and service missions.

Charles B. Cairns, MD

Senior VP of Medical Affairs

Project Contacts

Robert F. Pulito AIA

Principal-in-charge

860 368.4154

RPulito@slamcoll.com

Paul D. Rammelsberg AIA, LEED, AP

Project Manager

617 717.6720

PRammelsberg@slamcoll.com

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