Inside the New Paley Hall

Paley Hall is now 85 percent operational, with new features still being added as construction wraps up. As the future home of Temple’s College of Public Health, Dean Jennifer Ibrahim says the wait will be worth it.

“Look out, because this is opening up a whole new chapter for the college,” Ibrahim said.

One of the building’s standout features is its new teaching kitchen, located right past the main entrance. The space is designed not only for students across campus but also for the broader community.

“For example, if you have SNAP benefits, what can you do with the food that you’re accessing… even things like what’s the best way to store food,” Ibrahim explained.

The upper floors house simulation labs that resemble hospitals, doctors’ offices, and even parks, allowing students to practice in real-world settings. On the lower levels, the college plans to create a one-stop shop where students can get academic support.

“We’re really focused on meeting students where they are, when they are, rather than students having to find where the resources are,” Ibrahim said.

The 306,000-square-foot building has been years in the making. Construction began before the pandemic.

“It started prior to COVID, in the 2019 to 2020 time frame,” said Martin Droz, associate vice president of planning, design, and construction.

Droz added that Paley Hall was designed to serve the entire Temple community.

“We created these spaces where the university community as a whole can really, you know, take advantage of this building,” he said.

For students, the excitement is building as the final touches are completed. Public health major Morie Vandi said he’s looking forward to seeing the community come together.

“Just to see everyone in the College of Public Health like finally be in one room,” Vandi said.

Still, many students are eager for construction to wrap up.

“I like the building, it’s very cute… it’s just not done,” Vandi said.