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Click
Here for information about THEATER
RENOVATIONS and how you can support International House
in this endeavor.
 One
of our greatest challenges is the upkeep and maintenance of
our almost 40-year-old,
14-story building
– one of the key assets distinguishing International House
from every other international organization in the Delaware
Valley.
Built in 1970 as the first and only building in the region dedicated
to internationalism, the building
is the flagship and
centerpiece of our vision for International House. Major exterior
and interior improvements are needed if International House
is
to ensure the continued
strength, uniqueness and financial stability of our programs.
In September 2001, International House began a series
of critically important building improvement projects, designed
both to bring our building into the 21st century and to improve
the living experience and services for residents,
Leading Edge Technology
- The first priority was providing improved study and computer facilities for residents. The Satell Study Center was created in September 2001, which includes both the 20-computer Goodrich Computer Center and a 24-hour Study Room with ports for laptop computers. Both have high-speed internet access.
- In July 2002, IHouse was one of the first institutions in the area to offer wireless internet access to residents. It is accessible throughout the building – in individual rooms and apartments and in all gathering spaces.
Repairing and Restoring the Concrete on the Outside of the Building
- This complex year-long project has restored the concrete to its original condition and appearance and repaired all the terraces and balconies on the residential floors.
More Welcoming and Friendly Gathering Spaces
- The eight ‘House Lounges’ (one on each floor serves 42 residents) now have new lighting, carpet and paint. Newly upholstered furniture cushions will be installed soon.
- Outdoor picnic tables have been added to the upper front patio for resident enjoyment during the nice weather.
- The floors and walls of the first floor Galleria have been restored to their original appearance, creating a much lighter, brighter and more welcoming ambiance;
- New carpet has been installed in the Student Center
- the basement laundry and linen rooms have been refurbished
Capital funds will also enable us to implement additional critically needed repairs to the building infrastructure.
- Repairing the dual fuel boiler which provides an energy- and cost-efficient means for us to switch from gas to oil heat when circumstances warrant;
- Repairing and upgrading most of the building’s mechanical infrastructure systems to provide a higher level of service reliability and efficiency for heating, air conditioning, and other building support systems; … and make International House more welcoming and service-oriented for our international students and visitors:
- Roof repairs to assure many more years of leak-free service;
- Renovated ‘suites’ in the residential areas, including shared bathrooms, kitchens and living/dining areas;
- Improved signage and lighting in the building’s exterior areas;
- Landscaping the patio/garden areas;
- Making the Lobby/Galleria more inviting with lively multicultural artworks, clearer signage and a more welcoming ‘concierge’ desk;
- An improved security system for building access;
- Updating the theater’s sound and lighting.
Community support from thousands of individuals, corporations
and foundations has made International House the strong
and dynamic institution it is today. If you share International
House’s values and a commitment to its mission, we invite you
join with us as a partner in making our vision for a better
tomorrow possible by supporting our Building a Global Community
effort.
For information about how you can participate in Building
a Global Community, contact Simone
Jeffers, Director of Development, 215-895-6543 or simone@ihphilly.org.
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