7th Street House Renovation

For generations of Bucknellians, Umoja or 7th Street House has been more than a building, it has been home. It is a place where students can show up as their full selves. Here, they are celebrated, their stories are honored, and their presence is recognized as an essential part of Bucknell’s culture, community, and history. When we invest in 7th Street House, we invest in the people, traditions, and sense of belonging that make Bucknell a home for so many.” 

— Moe McGuinness, Vice President for Student Affairs & Fritz Family Dean of Students

For generations of Black alumni, so many Bucknell memories lead back to one place. At the center of campus, 7th Street House is where students have lived, gathered and built lifelong communities. It is where many found their people and felt truly at home.

Now the house is ready for its next chapter. A full renovation will renew every floor, add an elevator to make the house accessible, and add more of the gathering rooms the community thrives on. This project gives alumni the chance to shape the home that shaped them and make sure the next generation finds the same welcoming environment.

For students: Renewed residence rooms, modern common areas and flexible community space give residents a true home base at the center of campus and a welcoming space where conversations begin, friendships grow, generations connect and a sense of community takes root, one shared moment at a time.

For Bucknell: A renewed 7th Street House becomes more visible and vibrant across the entire student body. It will serve as a campus-wide hub for intercultural dialogue, community gatherings and student-led programming, and a living sign of a Bucknell where every student is celebrated. 

Ready to renew

After welcoming students for decades, 7th Street House is ready for its first major renovation in 40 years. A complete renovation of the gathering space, kitchen, ground floor, and the residential areas will create a modern and flexible community facility, raise the visibility of this historic building and those it serves, and keep it the welcoming living-learning community generations of Bucknellians have called home.

Impact

A complete architectural renovation of 7th Street House (ground floor, main floor, 2nd, and 3rd floors) will:

• Deliver modern residential space and flexible multi-use community facilities at the center of campus
• Elevate the visibility and impact of this historic building and those it serves for the entire campus community
• Establish a recognized, campus-wide hub for intercultural dialogue, community gatherings and collaborative, student-led programming
• Increase accessibility for all students, regardless of ability
• Preserve and transmit Black History at Bucknell

Recognition Opportunities

• Naming 7th Street House: $5 million
• Named Spaces: $250K–$500K
  Names a lounge, gathering space or community room in the renewed house
• Founding Donor Recognition: $250,000+ 
  Honors the alumni and friends whose leadership gifts bring the renovation to life