Bok Building Design Firm Acquires Historic University of the Arts Property: What This Means for the Future

PHILADELPHIA – A former University of the Arts building has a new owner. The design firm Scout, known for transforming the Bok building in South Philadelphia, has purchased Hamilton Hall. This sale took place for $12 million during a bankruptcy action.

The University of the Arts closed suddenly last summer, leaving students scrambling to find new schools. The university’s abrupt shutdown was attributed to financial issues and a drop in enrollment.

Scout plans to breathe new life into Hamilton Hall, turning it into a mix of workshops and housing. This project will likely follow a model similar to the Bok building, which Scout revamped in 2015. The Bok building now hosts art studios, workspaces, restaurants, and a popular rooftop bar.

At this time, detailed plans for Hamilton Hall have not been disclosed. For the latest updates from Scout, you can visit their website.

The backstory of this building is significant. The University of the Arts had a long history, being established in the 1800s and producing many acclaimed artists. After the university’s closure, several local colleges stepped in to help students transition into other arts programs.

Former President Kerry Walk stated that the closure came about due to the university’s “fragile financial state.” He remarked on how quickly things turned, saying, “The situation came to light very suddenly.”