Philadelphia, PA

The Philadelphia School

B&F helped The Philadelphia School to oversee four phases of projects that transformed the school from a single building to a vibrant urban campus symbolic of its progressive educational philosophies.

Philadelphia School exterior building
Phase IEntrance Improvements
Construction Cost$500,000
ArchitectPurdy O’Gwynn Architects
BuilderWolfe Scott Associates
Phase IIEarly Childhood Education Center
Construction Cost$4M
Project Size8,100 square feet

Four Phases of Improvements Create a "City-Country Campus"

Phases I and II

The first phase created a new main entrance and identity for their existing building, a former pie factory that now serves students in grades 1-8. Phase 2 created a new LEED Silver Early Childhood Education Center, a “country classroom in the city” with Kindergarten and Pre-K classrooms, eco-friendly teaching gardens, and outdoor play areas.

Philadelphia School classroom

Phases III and IV

A third project, completed a year later, turned an existing garage into a multipurpose facility with a second gym, workshop, a black-box theatre, and a flexible space with garage doors that open to the outdoors for parties and events. The fourth phase renovated the interior of the main school building over a very tight summer schedule.

Philadelphia School outdoors

Minimizing Disruptions to the Community

Completing multiple construction projects over several years can be disruptive to the surrounding community. The B&F team worked diligently to maintain good relationships with the School’s neighbors, even setting up a construction “hot line” manned by our Project Manager to handle questions and concerns. 

Philadelphia School drawing

As Spaces Change, So Do Operations

We also helped the School to understand the operational changes that result from a larger campus and develop a plan for managing their facilities. Their expanded presence has had a positive, rejuvenating effect on both the School and the neighborhood.

The Philadelphia School classroom
The Philadelphia School lego

Client Testimonials

“B&F provided a very clear, detailed, and effective structure to our projects that ensured they were done on time and on budget with the result that was expected by the school. They helped us transform our school from a building to a campus and plan for the changes that resulted from a larger footprint. Projects came in on time and on budget, and minimized disruption to the students, faculty, and community.”

Carol Lerner, Former Director of Finance and Operations, The Philadelphia School

The Philadelphia School outside
Becker Fondorf Philosophy skyscraper

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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.