VILLANOVA, PA — Villanova University has opened a $130 million, 150,000-square-foot academic facility housing Falvey Library, consolidating research resources, digital technology and student support services as the university expands its investment in teaching and scholarship.
The new building, Vic Maggitti Hall, replaces the library’s previous home as its central academic facility and adds dedicated spaces for research, collaborative learning, media production and graduate study.
Construction began in summer 2024. The project was designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects and built by Turner Construction.
The facility is named for Victor J. Maggitti Jr., a 1956 graduate of Villanova’s business school whose $20 million contribution supported the project. His gift represents approximately 15% of the building’s $130 million cost.
The university developed the facility’s programming with input from more than 400 students, faculty and staff who participated in planning sessions.
One of the building’s principal changes is the consolidation of academic services that previously operated across different university functions.
A dedicated student learning commons brings together academic coaching, tutoring, presentation assistance and examination preparation on one floor.
The building also expands study capacity, adding 59 reservable group study rooms and 50 private micro-offices designated for graduate students.
Research infrastructure includes an expanded Digital Scholarship suite supporting data visualization, text analysis, digital mapping, multimedia production and other technology-intensive academic work.
The suite contains audio and video production studios, recording booths, editing facilities and an immersive media and gaming environment for research, instruction and creative projects.
The Research and Teaching Commons houses the Villanova Institute of Teaching and Learning, the Office of Research Development and Scholarly Support, research librarians and digital scholarship resources.
Bringing those functions together is intended to improve access to research assistance and instructional support for faculty and students.
“With the opening of Vic Maggitti Hall, Villanova gains a technology-enabled library facility that reflects the University’s increased academic stature and reach,” said Millicent Gaskell, dean of Falvey Library.
The facility also accommodates Falvey Library’s 400,000-volume general collection, which is housed in compact, browsable shelving on the lower level.
A dedicated reading room provides access to rare books, manuscripts and archival materials, while exhibits throughout the building display items from the library’s distinctive collections.
Additional spaces include the Villanova Heritage Room, documenting the university’s history, and the Augustine Heritage Room, focused on St. Augustine and the institution’s Augustinian Catholic tradition.
A collection of scholarly and literary works by Villanova faculty is displayed on the ground floor.
Beyond library and research functions, the building includes a central atrium, a lecture and discussion area called Speakers Corner, and five multipurpose rooms for conferences, academic programs and university events.
Three wellness rooms provide space for prayer, meditation and quiet breaks, including one designed for people with sensory differences.
Villanova President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue described the project as an investment in the university’s academic infrastructure.
“By bringing together spaces for study, collaboration, research and innovation, Vic Maggitti Hall will strengthen the academic life of our University,” Donohue said.
Maggitti, whose donation secured the building’s name, has previously supported Villanova athletics facilities and the John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts.
The opening establishes a centralized location for library collections, research technology, teaching support and student academic services, completing a major capital project that began construction more than two years ago.
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