Solebury School Cuts The Ribbon On First Dormitory Since 1998

SOLEBURY TOWNSHIP, PA — The Solebury School officially cut the ribbon on Sunday for Hope Hall, its first residential addition since 1998.

The ceremony marked the dedication of the dormitory, which opened for students in the fall of 2023. Supporters, constituents, staff, faculty, and special guests attended the ceremony to celebrate the occasion.

“We arrive at this moment having remained steadfast and focused on our strategic plan and its long-term vision,” said Tom Wilschutz, Head of School. “The plan began in 2016 with growth, development, and change goals. Two years later, phase one started with the Shaping Solebury
capital campaign. We set ambitious campaign targets with an even more ambitious timeline, then systematically focused on bringing them to fruition. The addition of Hope Hall and an upgraded infrastructure will support our students, faculty, and facilities now and into the future.”

Cutting the ribbon on the new dorm are Head of School, Board of Trustees, Metcalfe Architecture & Design, and others involved in the project. (Kelli Abdoney)

Hope Hall, a prime example of sustainable living, has set a new standard in Bucks County. It is the county’s first and one of Pennsylvania's first Phius Core certified Passive House multi-residential buildings. This architectural structure, designed by Metcalfe Architecture & Design, houses a 32-bed student dormitory and four faculty apartments.

The planning for Hope Hall began as part of a 30-year strategic plan, marking a significant milestone in Solebury School's history. The success of Shaping Solebury also funded the installation of the wastewater treatment plant with microbioreactor technology (MBR).

The ceremony began with opening remarks from Liz Wavle P’11, Chair of the Board of Trustees. The program included speeches from Head of School Tom Wilschutz, Karis Rattray ’25, and Dan Cohen ’63, who served as the Campaign Chair for Shaping Solebury.

State Representative Tim Brennan presented Solebury with a citation for the achievement. Guests enjoyed food and drinks and toured the common room, where the donor recognition wall and dedication signage displayed the community’s support.

State Rep. Tim Brennan presents a state resolution to Solebury School Head of School Tom Wilschutz. (Photo by Kelli Abdoney)

Dorm resident Karis Rattray (Class of 2025) makes remarks at the event. (Photo by Kelli Abdoney)

“One of the primary reasons for building Hope Hall, aside from the need for a new girls’ dorm, is to put Solebury on the path to financial sustainability,” said Dan Cohen ’63. “This was an important factor in my decision to become chair of this campaign. Solebury will enter into its
second century within two years, and Hope Hall is an important step to ensure the school's future.”

Hope Hall recently won second place in the 2024 Greater Philadelphia Innovation Awards from The Social Innovations in the Housing and Community Development category.