Fashion District of Philadelphia

The redevelopment of Philadelphia’s former Gallery at Market East was a massive 1.5 Million SF interior and exterior renovation that encompassed 13 different structures, spanning three city blocks, and located atop four different mass transit train lines. The project was phased in four different sections and constructed over the course of seven years. Upon completion, it is the “largest cohesive retail project in downtown Philadelphia” (J. Devermann, 2019, as cited in macerichtourism.com). The goal of the renovation was to transform the space from an enclosed, subterranean shopping and transit center to a major destination for retail and entertainment in Philadelphia, creating new connections and a light filled space that is more easily accessible and welcoming. 

The new main entrance at 9th and Market Streets – dubbed The Cube – provides an iconic welcoming area and is a freestanding structure with a clear height of 60 feet. Comprised of steel trusses and built-up box column sections, it features architecturally exposed structural steel supporting 170 panels of structural glass, while the roof cantilevers 23 feet. Keast & Hood provided structural design for the new feature entrance as well as extensive modifications to the structural frame in each segment of the building complex for a more open and accessible space. One of the main goals of the renovation was to increase lighting levels throughout the complex. To accommodate this, multiple large sections were cut into the Ground floor to allow for more daylighting. 

Structural design for the support of new exterior wall systems, canopies, and large-format signage and new interior escalators, elevators, and stairs was included as well as design for the support of primary mechanical equipment such as air handlers, boilers, chillers, and cooling towers. Keast & Hood is also providing the structural design for many of the tenant improvements such as internal stairs, escalators and elevators.

A major tenant is the AMC Theater in a portion of the complex – originally designed by Keast & Hood in the 1980’s. To accommodate the large space required by the theater, engineers designed a 44-foot overbuild and extensive reinforcement of both the gravity and lateral systems of the remaining structure.