United States Post Office - Main Branch Philadelphia

Overview

When the Internal Revenue Service looked to consolidate its northeast operations at a single location, it found a new home in a venerable post office along the banks of Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River. The renovated Art Deco post office accommodates approximately 5,000 IRS employees.

We provided historic preservation, protective design and structural renewal services to Bohlin Cywinski Jackson for the renovation, which was completed in 2010.

Highlights

• The 900,000 square foot limestone and steel post office, completed in 1935, required blast hardening and perimeter protection. Substantial structural reframing was needed for new elevators supported above the existing rail lines.
• A four-story “light well” was cut into the central section of building, harnessing natural light in support of LEED Certification. The light well is tied to the first floor through two monumental stairs at the east and west ends of the building.
• Infill of the existing first floor loading dock provides a continuous first floor plate by placing lightweight concrete on expanded polystyrene.
• The renovation also included the addition of an outdoor dining area, outdoor child care play area, and a mechanical room addition adjacent to the rail lines.
• Seismic evaluation of the structure was performed in accordance with ASCE/SEI 31-03. 
• Acondition assessment of the existing viaduct structure was performed and rehabilitation design and construction oversight services were provided.