Temple University in Philadelphia has received a $27.5 million gift that will help pay for a new home for the Klein College of Media and Communication and the Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts.
The commitment comes from Sidney and Caroline Kimmel and is the largest in Temple's 141-year history. In recognition of the gift, the new facility will be named the Caroline Kimmel Pavilion for Arts and Communication.
"This is a gift that touches all members of the Temple community - students, faculty, staff, alumni and neighbors alike - as the new home for the Klein College and the Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts will serve all these important audiences," said Temple President John Fry.
Advance site preparation work is now underway for a new building that will expand and modernize teaching spaces for Klein College; the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts; and the Boyer College of Music and Dance. The 199,000-square-foot facility also will serve as a community hub for activity, education and entertainment.
An official groundbreaking for the new facility is scheduled for May 14. Construction is expected to take about 30 months, and the building is expected to be open in fall 2027.
The architect is Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.
Sidney Kimmel, a Philadelphia native, began working in the garment business and eventually created his own clothing line, Jones New York. The company grew to more than $5 billion in revenues and came to include many recognizable brands, among them Nine West, Anne Klein, Stuart Weitzman, Joan & David, Gloria Vanderbilt, Barneys New York and Kurt Geiger.
Since their marriage in 1999, the Kimmels have committed more than $850 million to various philanthropic causes.
