Jerry Leva joined Temple University in November 2015 as vice president of planning and capital projects. In this role, Jerry applies his expertise of successfully managing complex project schedules, delivering projects on or under budget, negotiating contracts, and managing risks to help carry forward Temple’s mission. He leads three University departments: The Project Delivery Group which is responsible for taking capital projects from planning and design, through construction and close out; Operations & Maintenance which aims to advance Temple’s mission by reducing expenses and controlling costs, providing efficient and safe places for the University community, and maintaining clean and aesthetically pleasing campus environments; and Service Operations which encompasses Housekeeping, Grounds, Transportation, and Postal Services for the University.

One of the most significant capital projects completed during the past 5 years under Jerry’s leadership is Temple University’s new state-of-the-art Charles Library, a $170M+ four story, two-year long construction project that has become the centerpiece of Temple’s main campus and has been called Temple’s “most compelling work of architecture in decades.” Other key projects include the Aramark Student Training and Recreation (STAR) Complex— a 110,000sq.ft. multipurpose academic, athletics, and recreation facility; and Founder’s Garden and O’Connor Plaza which includes new landscaping, outdoor seating, a water wall, and an iconic bronze statue of the University’s mascot, the Temple Owl.

Charles Library is a new 4 story structure in the heart of main campus.  The building, designed by Snøhetta in collaboration with Stantec, houses a variety of study spaces, classrooms, resource centers, browsable collections, special collections, event & exhibition spaces, along with the Center for Student Success and University Press.   A key feature of the building is the Automated Storage and Retrieval System or the “Bookbot” which is designed to hold approximately 1.8 million volumes of books in a high density storage area.  The building also features an outdoor terrace on the 4^th floor along with one of the largest green roofs in Philadelphia.

Brandywine Realty Trust is dedicated to creating local economic opportunity in West Philadelphia by investing in several unique procurement, job training and technical assistance programs.

• Grow Philadelphia Capital: Through a partnership with The Enterprise Center, we’re granting working capital to help fund local minority enterprises.
• Construction Apprenticeship Preparation Program: We’re training and mentoring community members so they can enter the trades.
• Local Sourcing Initiative: We’re offering our tenants discounts on select local businesses’ goods and services in order to prioritize local spending and sourcing.
• CDC Co-Development: We’re hiring local non-profit community development corporations as co-developer to give them exposure to our processes and contacts.
• Community Fund: This fund supports neighborhood priorities, including affordable housing, small and minority business/employment, education and capacity building.