Bittenbender Construction served as the general contractor for Drexel University’s first freestanding facility in the University’s history dedicated to Jewish student life, the Raymond G.Perelman Center for Jewish Life. The new 15,000 square foot, 3-Story structure with basement was constructed in the busy historic Powelton Village section of campus. The building was specially designed with spaces set aside for the observances of different sects of Judaism. The key design element of the building is the open space going through each floor that will allow sunlight to come in and touch each observant space. The design for the center also features: front terrace for outdoor seating, lobby and lounge for socializing, kosher kitchen and café, dining room, outdoor garden, expandable event space for 100+ people, multiple worship spaces with open-roof courtyard that accommodates 80+ people, offices for Drexel Hillel, and serval meeting rooms for University community use. This project was completed within one year’s time from start to finish.

2017 AIA SF – Honor Award for Architecture by the American Institute of Architecture