Structural engineering for redevelopment of the former Strawbridge & Clothier Building included facade and interior renovations.
The Strawbridge & Clothier Department Store at 8th and Market Streets is comprised of two buildings and over 525,000 sf of space. A 13-story limestone and granite building was constructed in 1929 adjacent to the 1902 Addison Hutton-designed six-story limestone, brick, and terra cotta building. Together, the two structures served as the store’s home until the company’s 2005 acquisition.
Keast & Hood has provided several campaigns of structural engineering services related to the property’s redevelopment. The work included removing a mezzanine in the 1929 building and infilling escalators in the 1902 structure. Complicated engineering ensured elevators remained running while the floor supports were removed. In addition, large passageways and doorways were cut in bearing walls separating the two building sections, and penetrations were made for new ductwork and building systems. The facades of both buildings were evaluated and repaired, including replacement of severely rusted spandrel beams and sidewalk and loading dock supports.
The Strawbridge & Clothier Building Interior Renovation earned a 2010 Grand Jury Preservation Achievement Award from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.
Structural engineering for redevelopment of the former Strawbridge & Clothier Building included facade and interior renovations.
The Strawbridge & Clothier Department Store at 8th and Market Streets is comprised of two buildings and over 525,000 sf of space. A 13-story limestone and granite building was constructed in 1929 adjacent to the 1902 Addison Hutton-designed six-story limestone, brick, and terra cotta building. Together, the two structures served as the store’s home until the company’s 2005 acquisition.
Keast & Hood has provided several campaigns of structural engineering services related to the property’s redevelopment. The work included removing a mezzanine in the 1929 building and infilling escalators in the 1902 structure. Complicated engineering ensured elevators remained running while the floor supports were removed. In addition, large passageways and doorways were cut in bearing walls separating the two building sections, and penetrations were made for new ductwork and building systems. The facades of both buildings were evaluated and repaired, including replacement of severely rusted spandrel beams and sidewalk and loading dock supports.
The Strawbridge & Clothier Building Interior Renovation earned a 2010 Grand Jury Preservation Achievement Award from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.
CLIENT: Bower Lewis Thrower Architects
LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA
TYPE: Commercial, Historic, SERVICES: Adaptive Reuse, Historic Preservation, MATERIALS: Concrete, Masonry, Steel, SUSTAINABILITY: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Completed project photography © Jeffrey Totaro
