Philadelphia, PA

Academy of Music

Since 2018, B&F has helped The Academy of Music to manage ongoing deferred maintenance and small capital improvement projects. We are simultaneously overseeing the design and estimating process for the Academy’s larger capital campaign. (Photo credit: Jan Almquist/AA&J Design)

Project TypeHistoric Preservation
Construction CostPhase 1 - $2.5M; Elevator Modernization - $500,000; Parapet Stabilization - $50,000; Chiller Replacement - $2M; Misc. Facility Maintenance - $100,000
Project SizeVaried
ArchitectAtkin Olshin Schade with Building Conservation Associates
BuilderHaverstick Borthwick, Pulman Services, and Others

Preserving a National Icon

Phasing Work to Meet the Academy’s Needs

When the Academy of Music obtained an estimate for the replacement of their roof and the restoration of their historic façade, it became clear that the project in its entirety would be more than the institution could absorb from a financial and operational standpoint. B&F Project Managers divided the project into discrete phases that took into consideration cash flow and the Academy’s presentation seasons.

Critical Behind the Scenes Work

Deferred maintenance and back-of-house capital improvement projects often go unnoticed by patrons but are critical to maintaining operations. Over the course of several years, we helped the Academy undertake a variety of deferred maintenance projects, including elevator modernizations, a sprinkler system reconfiguration, plumbing upgrades, and a cooling plant replacement. Our continued presence managing the work made us truly feel like part of the Academy’s staff.

Care Required by Historic Preservation

Historic Preservation projects are unlike other construction projects. Meticulous attention to detail is required to preserve our national treasures for future generations. The team must carefully analyze and reach consensus on building materials and the right approach to using contemporary technologies. Additional precautions must also be taken to mitigate a higher likelihood of encountering unforeseen conditions.

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View 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

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B&F's Project Managers protect budgets, safeguard schedules, minimize disruptions, and coordinate the entire team, with a careful eye on quality.