Now that Villanova University has opened its new residential community, the Commons, along Lancaster Avenue, what’s next? asks Natalie Kostelni for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Villanova is implementing another round of capital improvements projecting to total $400 million that will be done in phases over the next 10 years.

The school will turn its focus to academic facilities making them “reflective of the university’s stature as a national research university,” the school said. “We lag behind our peer institutions, most of which boast highly specialized, state-of-the-art facilities.”

The school is exploring major additions and renovations to existing facilities and construction of new buildings. No specifics yet, except that the school will pay particular attention to STEM facilities.

The Commons had been in the school’s 2010 strategic plan. That is when Villanova began exploring its development, figuring out how it would create something transformative that would also tie in with the rest of its campus.

Last year, Villanova wrapped up a $65 million renovation to its Pavilion and is finishing construction of a $60 million performing arts center to give it a competitive advantage.

That project is expected to be completed in early 2020.

Read more about Villanova’s continuing construction plans here.

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