Drexel University: Thomas R. Kline Institute of Trial Advocacy

In late 2012, a limited liability corporation owned by Thomas R. Kline, Esq. acquired the former Beneficial Bank Headquarters Building at 1200 Chestnut Street. In April 2014, Drexel retained Peter S. Longstreth, LLC and Aegis Property Group to prepare a Preliminary Feasibility Study and an Alternative Site Analysis which evaluated the possibility of relocating all or a portion of Drexel University’s Law School to a Center City campus, including the 1200 Building.

The first phase of that is an innovative new Trial Advocacy Program housed in the 1200 Building and operated remotely from the primary Law School campus in University City.

Renovations to the building will yield a ceremonial courtroom, three practice courtrooms, seminar room, administrative office space, and a congregational gallery area.

The project qualified for historical tax credit financing through a process requiring the approval of the National Parks Service.