Historic Building Becomes New Home for Aspiring Artists
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
B&F oversaw seven phases of design and construction that transformed a 1920s-era industrial building into a vibrant new arts education facility.
Seven Phases and Ten Years of Transformation
Historic Building Becomes New Home for the Arts
Before PAFA purchased the Hamilton Building on north Broad Street, they had classrooms, offices, and studios scattered throughout the neighborhood. B&F worked with PAFA to carefully plan renovations to their new historic Center City home, identifying an initial scope of work critical to move-in and prioritizing projects to be phased over a ten-year period as funds became available.
Strategic Planning for Student Safety
The School's diverse needs, from studio spaces, galleries, and libraries to foundries that generate extreme heat, required strategic infrastructure planning and safety measures to protect students through each stage of renovation. All phases of the project were delivered on budget and on schedule.
Complexities of Constructing a New Plaza
We also managed the construction of the Lenfest Plaza, an open-air gathering and art exhibition space. We navigated complex issues, including securing approvals to permanently close a portion of Cherry Street, coordination with SEPTA to construct the plaza over an active subway, and the protection of nearby telecommunications infrastructure.
B&F's Ventures in Trigonometry
Our team also oversaw the successful installation of Pop Artist Claes Oldenburg's monumental public sculpture, Paint Torch. Working in tandem with the artist, engineers, and builders, we led the process of ensuring this sculpture was installed in the correct position and angle to be seen from Broad Street on both sides.
Client Testimonial
“Erecting and securing a 53-foot long piece of public art at a dizzying angle on one of Philadelphia’s busiest downtown streets is no small feat. Becker and Frondorf’s diligent work dealt with all of the behind the scenes details to ensure that the installation went off without a hitch. The firm’s efforts helped achieve the vision that both PAFA and I had for the project. The vision became a reality.”
Claes Oldenburg, Pop Artist, "Paint Torch"
Our Projects
Go BackView more of B&F’s wide range of iconic projects, from 13-story new hotels in Center City Philadelphia to sensitive renovations of historic buildings.
Project Management Services
Learn MoreB&F's Project Managers protect budgets, safeguard schedules, minimize disruptions, and coordinate the entire team, with a careful eye on quality.