KIPP Philadelphia - Preparatory Academy Renovations

Wick Fisher White helped to transform an existing abandoned Philadelphia School building into a new vibrant Charter Middle School. The work involved the preparation of mechanical, plumbing and electrical engineering design documents for the repair, restoration and upgrade of existing systems that had been vandalized, scavenged or fallen into disrepair while the building sat abandoned. Initially the project addressed the first, second and fourth floors, but was later expanded to include the third floor, totaling approximately 96,250 sf. The project included the replacement of a boiler and the flue stack, installation of VRV air conditioning systems for all of the classroom and administration spaces, replacement of the elevator and provided air conditioning for the auditorium and gymnasium. A new upgraded, three phase, electrical service was brought to the building and an entirely new electrical distribution system was installed. A new domestic water service was installed, with a domestic water pressure booster and all of the plumbing fixtures were replaced. Finally, the fire alarm system was brought up to code.

The renovation took place in stages. Initially construction renovated the ground, second and fourth floors. The third floor was shelled, for a year until additional funds were secured. When the third floor was fit out, the classrooms and offices were retrofit with VRF Air conditioning systems. A future project will renovate the auditorium.

Coming full circle in the building’s history, Wick Fisher White helped to restore this abandoned school to its original function and purpose which serves the community as an education alternate for Philadelphia children.

MarketingJune 24, 2019