The Community Design Collaborative demonstrates the importance of design in neighborhood revitalization and economic development. Our community design center provides pro bono preliminary design services to nonprofits in greater Philadelphia and offers meaningful volunteer opportunities to architects and other design professionals.

Strengthening neighborhoods through design

The Collaboratives Design Grants program provides pro bono design assistance to nonprofit organizations who are planning capital investments to support their communities and their missions.

Through the Collaboratives design grants, volunteer design professionals work side-by-side with communities to put their visions down on paper and move ahead with fundraising, gaining community and political support, and getting projects built.

Community Design Collaborative1216 Arch Street, First FloorPhiladelphia, PA 19107215.587.9290info@cdesignc.orgwww.cdesignc.org

Do you know a nonprofit or community who would benefit from the Collaboratives pro bono design assistance? Contact us!

The Community Design Collaborative awards over twenty design grants to nonprofits every year. We are pleased to present here some of the design grants completed by our volunteers in 2012 and 2013. See our online annual report for a full list of design grants awarded and volunteer design professionals engaged.

25 service grants

7,237 hours donated

$725,000 value

2012

25 service grants

8,778 hours donated

$925,274 value

2013

Featured Design Grants

ASPIRA, Inc. of PennsylvaniaBicycle Coalition of Greater PhiladelphiaColumbus Square Advisory CouncilFellowship FarmFrancisville Neighborhood Development CorporationFriends of the Rail ParkInner-City Movement, Inc.Jackson Elementary Home & School AssociationLansdowne Boys and Girls ClubMcCall Home & School AssociationMeredith Home & School AssociationMount Airy USAPuentes de SaludSouth Street Headhouse DistrictStarfinder FoundationViola Street Residents AssociationWynnefield Overbrook Revitalization CorporationUrban Tree Connection

Nonprofit Recipients:

Volunteer Team

ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania

ASPIRA Inc. of Pennsylvania asked the Collaborative to make the outdoor athletic complex at Olney Charter High School into an asset for the entire community. An assessment led to the decision to replace the field and demolish the existing field house and bleachers.

New turf, spectator seating, a playground, a walking path, and additional trees will provide a safer, more accessible experience for the students and the community.

Renovation of Outdoor Athletic Complex

Ramla Benaissa Architects, LLC

Robert Shamble Ramla Benaissa

Birdsall Services Group Gerald DeFelicis Robert Toomer

International Consultants, Inc. Lou Johnson

James Kerestes Mary Miller

ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania Olney Charter High School Athletic Complex

ASPIRA Inc. of Pennsylvania asked the Collaborative to transform the outdoor athletic complex at Olney Charter High School into an asset for the entire community. An assessment of the existing site led to the decision to replace the eld and demolish the existing eld house and bleachers. New turf, spectator seating, a playground, a walking path, and additional trees will provide a safer, more accessible experience for the students and the community.

OLNEY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL

8 Wide Public Walking PathRegulation Football and Soccer Field400 Meter 6 Lane Running TrackBleachersBaseball Field (not regulation size)PlaygroundFieldhouseVehicular AccessEvent Entry GatesLandscaped Slope280 Right Field Line290 Center Field275 Left Field LineFence

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Volunteers of the Community Design Collaborative: Ramla Benaissa Robert Shamble James Kerestes Mary MillerGerald DeFelicis Robert Toomer Lou Johnson

BIRDSALL SERVICES GROUP + International Consultants, Inc.RAMLA BENAISSA ARCHITECTS LLC

This volunteer project is done in collaboration with Birdsall Services Group for the Community Design Collaborative. The project consists of the design and renovation of the existing Olney Charter High School outdoor athletic complex for ASPIRA Inc. of Pennsylvania. The site was redesigned to include a synthetic turf multi-use athletic eld sized for soccer and football, a synthetic surface running track surrounding the athletic eld, bleachers with capacity for 2000 spectators and a grass baseball eld. In order to include the community and make the site accessible to the neighborhood a playground and a jogging/walking trail are added. These public amenities are essential to the viability of the project; providing an outdoor space for the community is the best way to protect the athletic elds, ensure visibility, safety, public engagement and ownership.

Volunteer Team

Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia

Safe Streets, Healthy NeighborhoodsThe Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia is working to make specific neighborhood corridors better places for walking, biking, and transit through Safe Streets, Healthy Neighborhoods.

Our volunteers supported the initiative by presenting the tools for building bicycle-friendly streets and showing them in place along several South Philadelphia streets where the number of cyclists and walkers has been increasing.

LRSLA Studio Julie Bush Frank Garnier Anita Toby Lager

The RBA Group Linda Reardon Jackson Wandres

Brown & Keener, a division of RBA Mark Keener Neil Desai

Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia

The Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia is working to make specific neighborhood corridors better placesfor walking, biking, and transit through Safe Streets, Healthy Neighborhoods.Our volunteer supported the initiative by presenting the tools for building bicycle-friendly streets and showing them in place along salong several South Philadelphia streets where the number of cyclists and walkers has been increasing.

Safe Streets, Healthy Neighborhoods: South Philadelphia

A missing link in the emerging city-wide network is the South Broad corridor connecting South Philadelphia neighborhoods with Center City commerce and new-economy Navy Yard jobs. The City and BCGP recommended that bike travelshift to the 13th/15th Street one-way pair. south bound 10th Street is also designated as a BicycleFriendly Street in the Citys plan.

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Bike box

Street trees

Rain Garden

Sharrow

Green Lane

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Volunteer Team

Columbus Square Park Advisory Council

Conceptual Design for Park ImprovementsTwo athletic fields occupy two-thirds of this busy South Philadelphia park. The Collaborative helped neighborhood park users work with public agencies to envision a greener, more diversified park.

The resulting conceptual plan reduces the athletic fields by 25% and demolishes an underutilized storage building, freeing up space for a new entrance at a key corner, more pathways, an expanded dog park, and a communal lawn and patio.

Leah Rominger Mathew Davis Gabrielle Badawy Shruti Malelo Duffield Associates, Inc.

Susan Schriner

DB-3D Daniel Brown

Bittenbender Construction, LP Joseph Bray

International Consultants, Inc. Michael Funk

Volunteer Team

Fellowship Farm

Conceptual Master Plan for ImprovementsFellowship Farm has a central role in the history of the regions civil rights movement and continues to provide a launching place for social justice efforts. The Collaboratives volunteer team outlined a phased program of feasible, sustainable improvements to the retreat center: facilities upgrades, new circulation paths integrated with the natural surroundings, and amenities such as an amphitheater and sports field.

Constance Lezenby Architects LLC Constance A. Lezenby Sandra Szabo

Glackin Thomas Panzak, Inc. Bernard Panzak Jr. Chris H. Garrity Matthew Caucci

sbk + partners, LLC Suzanna Barucco

Thornton Tomasetti Sean Levengood

N.E. Fisher & Associates Neal Fisher

Bruce E. Brooks & Associates Evan Pappas

C. Erikson & Sons Patrick Snoke

F e l l o w s h i p F a r mCONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN FOR IMPROVEMENTS

Volunteer TeamConstance Lezenby Architects, LLC, Firm VolunteerConstance A. Lezenby, AIA, Registered ArchitectSandra Szabo, Registered Architect Glackin Thomas Panzak, Inc., Firm VolunteerBernard S. Panzak, Jr., Registered Landscape ArchitectChris H. Garrity, Registered Landscape ArchitectMatthew Caucci, Landscape Designer sbk + partners, LLC, Firm VolunteerSuzanna Barucco, Historic Preservationist

Thornton Tomasetti, Firm VolunteerSean Levengood, P.E., Structural Engineer

N.E. Fisher & Associates, Firm VolunteerNeal Fisher, P.E., Mechanical Engineer

Bruce E. Brooks & Associates, Firm VolunteerEvan Pappas, Electrical Engineer C. Erickson & Sons, Inc., Firm VolunteerPatrick Snoke, Cost Estimator

Existing Conditions / Historical Analysis Existing Land Use / Site Analysis

Proposed Residence Hall Elevation

Proposed Land Use / Site Analysis

Overview

Fellowship Farm has played a central role in the history of the regions civil rights movement and continues to provide a safe environment for con ict resolution and efforts promoting social justice. The Collaboratives volunteer team outlined a phased program of feasible, sustainable improvements to the New Hanover farm retreat center, including an improved arrival sequence, building enhancements and an expanded community garden. A network of new circulation paths were designed to provide connections within the campus as well as opportunities to explore the natural surroundings. Proposed residence halls for visiting guests were located near the campus center. A new multi-purpose eld, ball courts and playground were introduced to add greater active recreation opportunities. A building for maintenance and repurposing space for storage were proposed as well as an improved shelter for the farms resident animals. The end result is a master plan for a cohesive and uni ed campus that will further expand and improve the mission of Fellowship Farm.

Existing Site Photos Existing Site Photos

Conceptual Masterplan

Volunteer Team

Francisville Neighborhood Development Corporation

Conceptual Master Plan for ImprovementsStrategically placed between the Fairmount neighborhood and Avenue of the Arts North, Francisville is attracting new homebuyers and real estate investment. In a new neighborhood strategic plan, Francisville Neighborhood Development Corporation envisions Francisville as an economically, ethnically diverse community with a vibrant commercial corridor. As a next step, the Collaborative helped Francisville explore options for streetscape improvement and vacant lot redevelopment on the Ridge Avenue Commercial Corridor.

John Hubert Architects, LLC John Hubert Terry Kennedy Jason Solinsky Michael Sebright

Benjamine Cromie Megan Gonzales Constructure Management, Inc.

John Sciotto

Volunteer Team

Friends of the Rail Park

Continuous and Connective: Conceptual Design for the City BranchThe City Branch is a vacant rail corridor that parallels Callowhill Street. Collaborative volunteers worked with Friends of the Rail Park to present a vision for a linear park between North Broad Street and 18th Street.

The park will reconnect the area to Center City, create outdoor gathering spaces for Community College of Philadelphia and North Broad Street, and preserve Philadelphias industrial legacy.

OLIN Richard Roark Jessica Henson Agnes Ladjevardi Benjamin Monette

CVM Rob Schaeffer Julie Wiley

VJ Associates Chongba Sherpa

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Frank Grauman Erin Roark Megan Strenski

FRIENDS OF THE RAIL PARKCITY BRANCH

WESTWARD VIADUCT VIEW FROM BROAD

THE CITY BRANCH IS A VACANT RAIL CORRIDOR THAT PARALLELS CALLOWHILL STREET. COLLABORATIVE VOLUNTEERS WORKED WITH FRIENDS OF THE RAIL PARK TO PRESENT A VISION FOR A LINEAR PARK BETWEEN NORTH BROAD STREET AND 18TH STREET THAT WILL RECONNECT THE AREA TO CENTER CITY, CREATE OUTDOOR GATHERING SPACES FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHIA AND NORTH BROAD STREET, AND PRESERVE PHILADELPHIAS INDUSTRIAL LEGACY.

VOLUNTEER TEAM

OLIN, FIRM VOLUNTEERRICHARD ROARK, ASLA, REG. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTJESSICA HENSON, ASLA, REG. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTAGNES LADJEVARDI, INTERN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTBENJAMIN MONETTE, ASLA, REG. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT BOHLIN CYWINSKI JACKSON, FIRM VOLUNTEERFRANK GRAUMAN, AIA, REGISTERED ARCHITECTERIN ROARK, AIA, REGISTERED ARCHITECTMEGAN STRENSKI, REGISTERED ARCHITECT CVM, FIRM VOLUNTEERROB SCHAEFFER, P.E., STRUCTURAL ENGINEERJULIE WILEY, P.E., STRUCTURAL ENGINEER VJ ASSOCIATES, FIRM VOLUNTEERCHONGBA SHERPA, COST ESTIMATOR

EASTWARD VIADUCT VIEW FROM COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHIA CULTURAL CORRIDORNEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTIVITY

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Volunteer Team

Inner-City Movement, Inc.

Theater 7000: Conceptual Design for RenovationClasses and performances for this faith-based youth drama program take place in a hidden gem in Upper Darby, a well-preserved 1920s Greek Revival theatre.

The Collaborative gave the group a blueprint for improving the flow and finishes in the theater, lobby, and support spaces, creating accessibility, upgrading audio-visual equipment, adding signage, and increasing occupancy without compromising the elegant space.

PJA Architecture, P.C. Christian Jordan Phillip Jordan Jason Baaden Sara Schmidt

Urban Ecoforms, LLC Micah Shapiro

Lisa McCann Cenero, LLC

Carlo Beuf R.G. Vanderweil Engineers, LLP.

Wayne Clark Constructure Management, Inc.

John Sciotto

Volunteer Team

Jackson Elementary Home & School Association

Conceptual Design for Renovation of a Multi-Purpose SpaceJacksons basement cafeteria/gym/auditorium space is integral to the school day but fails to work well for any of its uses.

The Collaborative developed renovation strategies to make the space more efficient, improve acoustics, and create a bigger performance stage while leaving enough room for basketball. The renovated space will enhance the schools thriving arts and music program.

Metropolitan Acoustics Felicia Doggett

CICADA Architecture/ Planning, Inc.

Kara Haggerty Mary Holland Daniel Brown Monroe Buckner

Schiller and Hersh Associates, Inc. Richard Delp

The FGX Group Frank Gallagher

Volunteer Team

Lansdowne Boys and Girls Club

Conceptual Design for Park ImprovementsA volunteer team confirmed that a distinctive, 60s-era park pavilion was structurally sound and worth renovating.

They also developed an improvement strategy: expanding and reorienting the performance stage, adding a ramp for accessibility, and building a second pavilion with new public restrooms and a snack bar to better serve this active community park.

Otto Architects LLC Joshua Otto

ThinkGreen LLC Peter Johnson Anna Schmitz

Alexander Coll Ronald Elmo Omar Rosa T.N. Ward Company

Karla Wursthorn

LANSDOWNE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB | Hoffman Park Pavilions

This project focused on a conceptual master plan of improvements to Hoffman Park. The volunteer team confirmed that a distinctive but neglected, 60s-era open air performance pavilion was structurally sound and worthy of renovations. The design strategy expanded and reoriented the stage, added lighting and making improvements for accessibility. A second pavilion was designed as a free-standing public amenity, containing new public restrooms, sports equipment storage and snack bar to better serve this active community park.The team also developed a zoned landscaping scheme, intended to adapt to the varying park usage throughout both each day and the changing seasons. Specific attention was placed on seating for performances and creating connections to the adjacent creek.To date, the Client has used the products of this study to apply for and obtain almost $450,000 in funding toward the project from Lansdowne Borough and the State of Pennsylvania.

Volunteer Team:

OTTO ARCHITECTS LLC | Firm VolunteerJoshua C. Otto, AIA | Registered Architect

Alexander Coll | Registered ArchitectRonald Elmo | Intern Architect

ThinkGreen LLC | Firm VolunteerPeter Johnson, ASLA | Registered Landscape ArchitectAnna Schmitz | Landscape Architectural Designer

Omar Rosa, P.E. | Civil Engineer

T.N. Ward Company | Firm VolunteerKarla Wursthorn | Cost Estimator

Volunteer Team

McCall Home & School Association

Conceptual Design for Open SpaceA conceptual design for open space offers McCall Elementary School a coordinated strategy for greening and connecting the 6th and 7th Street sides of its schoolyard.

The larger 7th Street side combines areas for active play with quieter places like a softscape corner and a peace path. The 6th Street side gains new life with outdoor classrooms for science and art. Opening up the entrances with windows, signage, and planting will perk up the schools nondescript entrances and link the two sides of the schoolyard.

Sydney Stewart Duffy Sebra Architecture

Mary Ann Duffy Ken Sebra

Nicholas Chaya Charles Oropallo Lisa McCann

Ian Stewart Thomas C. Faranda

Tom Faranda Wolfe Scott Associates, Inc.

RJ Poper International Consultants, Inc.

Michael Funk

Volunteer Team

Meredith Home & School Association

Meredith Green: Conceptual Design for Open SpaceMerediths chain link fence and concrete surfaces do not reflect its commitment to innovative education and the community. School and neighborhood leaders want a schoolyard that offers environmental education in a backyard setting and fosters community pride.

A big feature of the conceptual design is a bioswale planted between the playground and parking lotcomplete with a boardwalk that allows for natural play.

Amy Yaskowski Charles Oropallo Terra Studio

Tim Kerner Neil Yersak Duffiel Associates, Inc.

Dan Meier Donald Logan

Volunteer Team

Mt. Airy USA

Conceptual Design for Lovett Library ParkA mid-century modern library with green but inactive grounds on busy, colonial-era Germantown Avenue offers an untapped opportunity.

Based on ideas from Mt. Airy residents, the Collaboratives volunteer team created a conceptual plan that celebrates existing elements like a historic stone wall and horse trough, and lays the groundwork for an inviting off-street space with movable chairs and tables, nature play areas, and a terraced lawn amphitheater.

Ari Miller Alexa Bosse Ashton Jones Taylor Boyd

Volunteer Team

Puentes de Salud

Conceptual Design for a Community Health and Wellness CenterPuentes de Salud promotes the health and wellness of South Philadelphias Latino immigrant community through a health clinic, adult education classes, and arts programs.

Puentes will be bringing all of its programs under one roof in office space donated by University of Pennsylvania Health System. Before making the move, the nonprofit asked the Collaborative to assess its space needs, flag potential costs, and develop a conceptual design for the new space.

Johnston Stromberg Architecture Emily Stromberg Brian Johnston Christopher Stromberg

Jeremy Lange Daniel Stanislaw

Bruce E. Brooks & Associates Joe Matje

Torcon, Inc. Anthony Armento Angela Cirino

Architectural DesignOriginal Firm Volunteer: Johnston Stromberg ArchitectureBrian Johnston, AIA | johnston design studioEmily Stromberg | S2 DesignChristopher Stromberg | S2 DesignJeremy Lange Daniel Stanislaw

Mechanical EngineeringJoe Matje, PE | Bruce E. Brooks

Cost EstimationAnthony Armento | Torcon, Inc.Angela Cirino | Torcon, Inc.

PROJECT TEAM

BRIDGING COMMUNITIES THROUGH EDUCATION, ART, AND QUALITY HEALTH CARE

Puentes de Salud promotes the health and wellness of South Philadelphias Latino immigrant community through a health clinic, adult education classes, and arts programs. Puentes will be bringing all of its programs under one roof in space donated by the University of Pennsylvania Health System. Before making the move, the nonpro t asked the Community Design Collaborative to assess its space needs, ag potential costs, and develop a conceptual design for the new space.

Existing Space = 6,660 SF total Constraints: Located beneath an existing 4-story parking garage

PROGRAM

Lobby Waiting Area Of ces Exam Rooms Childrens Zone Conference Room Promotoras Room Dental + Lab Opthalmology & Procedure Room Resident Consult Area Lab Behavioral Consultation Room Art/Education Room Library/ Teen Lounge Commercial Kitchen Staff Lounge ADA Bathrooms Clinical & General Storage Elevator Lift

PUENTES DE SALUD: COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER

PROPOSED INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE- LOOKING SOUTH PROPOSED INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE- LOOKING NORTH

PROPOSED EXTERIOR PERSPECTIVE- FROM SOUTH STREET

The conceptual plan for the wellness center was born out of several intense taskforce workshops where multiple stakeholders voiced their needs and desires. An important strategy in uniting the organizations programs was to capitalize on the vertical space available inside the existing garage. By maximizing the ceiling height, the design team created a central, exible community space within the core of the health center. Incorporating a visual connection between the upper and lower areas of the space strengthens the relationship between the art programs and the medical care facilities. Bringing in natural light and utilizing bright colors wherever possible provides an airy, welcoming feel to the space and alludes to the Mexican-American culture.

Proposed AreasHealth Clinic = 1,785 SFOf ce/Admin= 2,375 SFArt/Education = 2,500 SF

Volunteer Team

South Street Headhouse District

4th Street Historic Fabric Row: Conceptual Design for Streetscape and Facade ImprovementsThe Collaborative helped Fabric Row envision streetscape improvements that celebrate its unique history and attract new visitors and creative industries.

New lighting adds rhythm to the street and glow to the upper stories of shops. A kit of parts brings activity and color with window boxes, caf tables, and shapely stands and barrels for displaying merchandise. Old trolley poles become sculptural elements. New bumpouts create space for planters, bike racks, and benches. Crosswalks and bumpouts are paved or painted with textile-inspired patterns.

BRR Architecture Chris Curtis Mary Beth Gregory Andrew Maass Lindsey Michelson

Kathryn Dethier Tamara Henry

Robin Miller Leila Hamroun Nason Construction

Nick Holtz

Volunteer Team

Conceptual Design for Sustainable Improvements

Starfinder Foundations soccer, educational, and personal development programs inspire young people from under-served communities to achieve success both on and off the field.

The Collaborative helped Starfinder zero in on important immediate repairs and plan a series of improvements to make its Manayunk facility more visible, environmentally sustainable, and comfortable for youth, families and staff.

Starfinder Foundation

Mathew Huffman Devin Bradbury Elizabeth Emig Alysse Einbender Bruce E. Brooks & Associates

Joseph Matje Richard Hwang

Larsen and Landis Eric Larsen

JFS Engineering, PC Joseph Schaffer

C. Erikson & Sons Patrick Snoke

Starfinder FoundationSustainable Facility Improvements

Star nder Foundations soccer, educational, and personal development programs inspire young people from under-served communities to achieve success both on and off the eld. The Collaborative helped Star nder zero in on important immediate repairs and plan a series of improvements to make its Manayunk facility more visible, environmentally sustainable, and comfortable for youth, families, and staff.

SEPTA RAIL LINE

MAIN STREET

Volunteer Team:

Mathew Huffman, RAALMA architecture llc

Devin Bradbury, Intern Architect

Elizabeth Emig, Intern Architect

Alysse Einbender, Landscape Architectural Designer

Bruce E. Brooks & Associates, Firm Volunteer

Joseph Matje, P.E., Mechanical Engineer

Richard Hwang, Mechanical Engineer

Larsen and Landis, Firm VolunteerEric Larsen, P.E., Structural Engineer

JFS Engineering, PC, Firm VolunteerJoseph Schaffer, P.E., Civil Engineer

C. Erickson & Sons, Firm VolunteerPatrick Snoke, Cost Estimator

EXISTING

PHASE 1

PHASE 2 PHASE 3

Volunteer Team

Conceptual Master Plan for an Urban FarmThe Urban Tree Connection is transforming the 3.6-acre site of a former milk distribution plant in West Philadelphia into an urban food producers cooperative. The Collaboratives conceptual master plan offers strategies for growing fresh produce and managing stormwater runoff without disturbing the soil on this former industrial site. It also proposes amenities like an educational pavilion, community gardens, and farm stands to promote healthful eating and activity.

Urban Tree Connection

Alexa Bosse Matthew Eckberg Urban Ecoforms, LLC

Micah Shapiro Duffield Associates, Inc.

Dan Meier

Alderson Engineering, Inc. Travis Alderson

Jon Stivers

Volunteer Team

Project ReclaimThe street and sidewalks of the 4200 block of Viola Street in East Parkside are clean, a community garden thrives, and homes are well-kept. But there are clusters of vacant homes and lots on Viola Street and nearby. Viola Street Residents Association asked the Collaborative to turn their vision for Viola Street and four adjacent blocks into a plan for neighborhood reinvestment.

Viola Street Residents Association

KSK Architects Planners Historians

Paul Vernon Kate Rutledge Dan Chong Brian Johnson Joy Mariama Smith

Leah Rominger Andrew Dobshinsky Christine Miller Cruiess International Consultants, Inc.

Lucious Johnson

Extended Tree PlantersExtended tree trenches will provide critical additional soil volume for street trees, while providing opportunities to plant attractive, hardy groundcover and perennial plants.

VIOLA STREET

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(LIGHT) Existing Buildings in Satisfactory Condition

(DARK) Existing Buildings in need of Signifi cant Investment

(LIGHT GREEN) Open SpaceSatisfactory Condition

(RUST) New BuildingsNew Infi ll Houses

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ProposedIntermodal Station

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Girard Ave

Lancaster Ave

horndale

Route 15 Trolley

Schuylkill River Trail

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PhiladelphiaZoo

Lancaster AveShopping

MannCenter

Please TouchMueseum

School ofthe Future

JapaneseHouse

HorticultureCenter

Centennial DistrictMaster Plan

West FairmountPark

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PhiladelphiaMuseum of Ar

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DrexelUniversity

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PROJECT GOALS: Stem the tide of deterioration Address abandoned and distressed properties Improve residents (children and senior) quality of life Create Political Support to Implement the plan

BACKGROUND/KEY ISSUES: 4200 of Viola Street block is in better condition than its surrounding area There needs to be a short-term and long term component to this vision The neighborhood is primarily residential and wants to remain that way Vacancies need to be addressed through infill and rehab Compatibility/sensitivity/affordability are all key concerns for development Sense of pride and identity within residents both old and new Major efforts already for clean-up and DIY Whats next? Neighborhood has value as a destination Desire to preserve affordability

PROJECT PURPOSE: To communicate vision both verbal/visual Encourage investment and reinvestment in the neighborhood Attract funders/developers/private property investment Develop plans at 2 scales broad neighborhood plan (triangle) and more detailed block plan (4200 block of Viola Street)

NEIGHBORHOOD CONTEXT AND CONNECTIVITY STUDY AREAS

PROJECT RECLAIMCONCEPTUAL DESIGN FOR REVITALIZATION OF VIOLA STREETViola Street Residents Association/Philadelphia Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc.

NEIGHBORHOOD BUILDING CONDITIONS NEIGHBORHOOD CONDITIONS: AREAS OF SIGNIFICANT VACANCY

NEIGHBORHOOD CONDITION: STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

VIOLA STREET IMPROVEMENTS: STREETSCAPE

VIOLA STREET IMPROVEMENTS: PORCHES/PRIVATE YARDS/ALLEYS

VIOLA STREET: IMPROVE GATEWAY/STREET ENTRANCE

NEIGHBORHOODIMPROVEMENTPLAN

Vegetated Curb Extensions

Rain Barrels and Flow-Through Planters

Rain Gardens (Bioretention)PorousPavers

Extended Tree Planters

Examples

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NEIGHBORHOOD CONDITION: STORMWATER MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Improve Pedestrian Crossings

New Street Trees on Major Neighborhood Streets

image: treephilly

SENIOR HOUSING

The street and sidewalks of the 4200 block of Viola Street in East Parkside are clean, a community garden thrives, and homes are well-kept. But there are clusters of vacant homes and lots on Viola Street and nearby. Viola Street Residents Association asked the Collaborative to turn their vision for Viola Street and four adjacent blocks into a plan for neighborhood reinvestment.

Volunteer TeamKSK Architects Planners Historians, Firm VolunteerPaul Vernon, Registered Architect

Kate Rutledge, Intern ArchitectDan Chong, AIA, Registered ArchitectBrian Johnson, Intern ArchitectJoy Mariama Smith, Intern ArchitectLeah Rominger, Landscape Architectural DesignerAndrew Dobshinsky, AICP, PlannerChristine Miller Cruiess, Historic Preservationist

International Consultants, Inc., Firm VolunteerLucious Johnson, CPE, Cost Estimator

Volunteer Team

Beeber School Annex: Conceptual Design for a Community Multi-Purpose FacilityIn 2012, the Collaborative conducted a conceptual design study for the conversion of the vacant Beeber School Annex into a multi-purpose community facility.

Preliminary plans respond to the need for multi-generational recreational and athletic facilities, combined with accessibility improvements in and around the building to support both daily use and community events.

Wynnefield Overbrook Revitalization Corporation

Built Form, LLC Michael Paul

Flatiron Building Company Scott Dalinka

BWA architecture + planning Kathy Lent Richard Winston Thomas Kirchner

Robert Hall Ann Marie Schneider Kasie Jones Mark Silks

Volunteer TeamBWA architecture + planning, Firm Volunteer

Kathy Lent, Intern ArchitectRichard Winston, AIA, Registered ArchitectThomas Kirchner, AIA, Registered Architect

Robert Hall, Architectural DesignerAnn Marie Schneider, Landscape Architectural DesignerKasie Jones, Sustainability ConsultantMark Silks, P.E., Electrical Engineer

Built Form, LLC, Firm VolunteerMichael Paul, P.E., Structural Engineer

Flatiron Building Company, Firm VolunteerScott Dalinka, Cost Estimator

(Left) Steep slopes between the basketball court and entrance pathway create poor visibility and an unwelcoming building approach.poor visibility and an unwelcoming building approach

(Above) An updated building facade, reduced slopes, and connecting rampscreate an inviting site for multigenerational neighborhood uses.

In 2013, the Collaborative volunteer teamconducted a conceptual design study for the conversion of the vacant Beeber School Annex intoa multipurpose community facility. Preliminary plans respond to the need for multigenerational recreational and athletic facilities, combined withaccessibility improvements in and around thebuilding to support both daily use and community events.

First Floor Plan

Second Floor Plan

Beeber School Annex

Accessible andWelcoming Main Entrance

Re-envisioned Classroom

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Flexibility and fundability were key stakeholder goals. The design team worked to accommodate the maximum number of users with the minimum use spaces to accommodate everything from computer classes to boxing

Sitework designs eliminate the stairs that fragment the site and integrate security, accessibility, and stormwater solutions. The resulting scheme creates a facility that represents and welcomes the surrounding community.

MOMOMOMORSRSRSRRRRSSSSSSSEEEEE

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The pro bono design work featured in this booklet was exhibited at Leverage, a fundraiser hosted by the Community Design Collaborative in March 2014 to support its Design Grants program.

(above) Over 200 sponsors, donors, volunteers and clients viewed a pop-up exhibition of our design work. (below left) Carol Horne Penn of Community Legal Services of Philadelphia spoke on the impact of our design services. (below right) Executive Director Beth Miller presented the Collaboratives Leverage Award to Deborah McColloch, who accepted on behalf of Philadelphias Office of Housing and Community Development.

Community Design Collaborative1216 Arch Street, First FloorPhiladelphia, PA 19107215.587.9290info@cdesignc.orgwww.cdesignc.org