Reimagining Penn’s Largest Dining Café
1920 Commons is Penn’s largest dining café and was originally built as part of the 1971 campus expansion. This first full renovation will introduce a new entrance pavilion, expanded open-level space with multiple dining platforms, a 350-seat all-you-care-to-eat café, and additional retail locations. The renovation will also retain spaces the campus community values—such as the coffee café and market—while adding more areas for studying, connecting, and recharging in response to student preferences.
Schedule and Phasing
A phased construction approach will allow Penn Dining to continue operating from the building throughout the renovation in a reimagined capacity, ensuring service remains focused on the needs of students and the campus community. Construction will begin in Summer 2026, with the fully renovated 1920 Commons expected to be complete in Winter 2029.
Timeline
| What You Need to Know
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May 2026–November 2027
| Construction begins and a new addition will be built. 1920 Commons, All-You-Care-to-Eat, Starbucks, and Gourmet Grocer remain open.
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December 2027–
| The Starbucks and Gourmet Grocer areas will be renovated. A temporary Grab-and-Go will offer meal exchanges, groceries, and halal and kosher options. The all-you-care-to-eat café will remain open during the academic year.
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May 2028–December 2028
| The all-you-care-to-eat café will be renovated. Dining service will continue through alternative on-site dining options during construction.
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January 2029
| Welcome to the new 1920 Commons! Explore a transformed dining destination featuring a renovated all-you-care-to-eat café, expanded retail dining, Gourmet Grocer, coffee shop, and new spaces to study, gather, and connect.
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