Based on a feasibility study Keast & Hood completed in 2011, the firm was engaged for renovations that will enable the Historical Society to comfortably grow collections for the next ten years.
The Historical Society building was constructed in phases between 1889 and 1975. The 60,000-sf building houses artifacts ranging from a handwritten draft of the U.S. Constitution to an original copy of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Keast & Hood provided structural engineering to redesign the space behind the main lobby, including support for security upgrades and an electronic display wall visible from the street. Two large openings were created between the entrance and stair lobbies and another opening was created to access the members’ lounge. Upper-level archival areas were upgraded with new compact, sliding storage units that accommodate more artifacts in less space. Keast & Hood worked closely with Historical Society staff, the SaylorGregg design team, and the movable storage manufacturer to maximize allowable storage for collections while not exceeding the existing structure’s capacity.
Based on a feasibility study Keast & Hood completed in 2011, the firm was engaged for renovations that will enable the Historical Society to comfortably grow collections for the next ten years.
The Historical Society building was constructed in phases between 1889 and 1975. The 60,000-sf building houses artifacts ranging from a handwritten draft of the U.S. Constitution to an original copy of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Keast & Hood provided structural engineering to redesign the space behind the main lobby, including support for security upgrades and an electronic display wall visible from the street. Two large openings were created between the entrance and stair lobbies and another opening was created to access the members’ lounge. Upper-level archival areas were upgraded with new compact, sliding storage units that accommodate more artifacts in less space. Keast & Hood worked closely with Historical Society staff, the SaylorGregg design team, and the movable storage manufacturer to maximize allowable storage for collections while not exceeding the existing structure’s capacity.
CLIENT: SaylorGregg Architects
LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA
TYPE: Cultural, Historic, SERVICES: Renovation, MATERIALS: Steel, Wood, SUSTAINABILITY: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Completed project photography © Tom Crane; construction photos courtesy SaylorGregg Architects
