Chestnut Hill College announced last week that it has received a $1 million grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Governor Tom Wolf announced the award last week as part of the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP).

The funding will be used to renovate and remodel CHC’s Clement Hall, a 26,552-square-foot building and the college’s primary classroom space. Clement Hall was built in the late 1920s and requires major renovations.

"This grant will directly benefit the lives of students, both undergraduate and adult learners – many of whom are working full-time and raising children while attending classes and gaining an education that will help to improve their prospects and those of their families,” said Sister Carol Jean Vale, president of Chestnut Hill College. “We are grateful to Governor Wolf and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."

Renovations will include the reconfiguration of existing restrooms for ADA compliance; better access and design standards; window replacements; the addition of HVAC with energy controls; state-of-the-art audio visual equipment; and acoustical improvement. It is projected that the new energy-efficient windows and HVAC will greatly reduce energy costs.

“The proposed renovations to Clement Hall are expected to increase student retention and graduation rates by improving the learning environment, and we look forward to being able to give our students an even better chance at success,” said Susannah Coleman, vice president for Institutional Advancement.