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herringbone lofts
2501 Oakford St, Philadelphia, PA

The assessment revealed that the existing site was an excellent candidate for conversion into multifamily housing, commercial space, or a mixed-use development. The analysis highlighted that, despite certain code hurdles, the building's robust framework and historical significance present a unique opportunity for adaptive reuse, contributing positively to the revitalization of the Grays Ferry area.
This feasibility and planning study focused on a four story, 30,000 SF building located in the Grays Ferry neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Constructed in the 1920s, the building originally operated as a factory for the Howard Clothing Company, followed by the Sea Gull Lighting Company, holding over 100 years of Philadelphias' industrial history.
The primary goal of this planning study was to identify building and zoning code hurdles necessary to rehabilitate and reuse the existing structure of the abandoned factory warehouse to help determine if it would be an appropriate investment for the developer team.





The structural assessment of the brick, heavy timber and steel revealed that the structure was in need of substantial repair. To respond to this concern, our design team created a series of facade alternatives that helped the client visualize potential designs with what structure was viable to remain. In the end it was determined that the character of what remained was worth the investment for rehabilitation.




Once committed to the project site, the developers continued to invest in planning efforts to ensure the final project would meet all of their goals, prior to construction.




The findings of this study supported the notion that with strategic planning and investment, the rehabilitation of the Grays Ferry warehouse could not only preserve an important piece of Philadelphia's history, but also, stimulate local economic growth and provide valuable housing and commercial options in the community.
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