Transforming a historic landmark into a vibrant campus
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Services
Architecture, Interior Design
The Philadelphia Electrical & Technology Charter High School (PETCH) is a one-of-a-kind school founded in 2002 by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Union 98. Like a lot of charter schools, finding the right (and permanent) home) can be a challenge. But after working with Blackney Hayes, PETCH found such a place in the former United Way building, an eight-story historic landmark on the Ben Franklin Parkway, first built in 1971 and known for its distinctive modern design.
In a classic example of adaptive reuse, Blackney Hayes refashioned this commercial space into a welcoming, well-organized school environment – complete with a fitness center, broadcasting room, cafeteria, faculty rooftop lounge, 32 classrooms, a life skills classroom, and labs for biology, chemistry, and a maker space.
“Our goal is to prepare our students to enter the career fields of their choice in a variety of ways. Our forever home at 1709 Benjamin Franklin Parkway lets us do that, by providing a destination that students from across the city can easily access, and feel inspired by.”
Erin Dougherty
PETCH, CEO