A Landmark Building
The 100,000sf landmark building, a classic example of Art Deco architecture, was expanded by 60,000sf to create The Ruth and Raymond G. Perelman Building, an integrated complex that holds collections from the museum, as well as public spaces including a library, café, bookstore. It also gives PMA more offices, state-of-the-art storage spaces, including cool and cold storage facilities, and art cleaning and refurbishing areas.
Historic Preservation During Construction
The historical significance of the building was maintained throughout construction. Original finishes needed to be removed to accommodate new MEP systems, elevators and connection points. The original elements were removed, cataloged, stored, cleaned, restored and then placed back into the building. These included the nearly 600ft of Indiana limestone, wood paneling and floors, light fixtures and brick. When possible the original materials were left in place and were protected throughout construction so they wouldn’t be damaged by work crews.
One of the biggest challenges was that the original windows did not meet the design requirements. They were not capable of ensuring that the works of art could be kept at the right temperature and humidity levels, but they could not be removed because of the landmark status of the building. The team developed a solution, a second set of windows were added, and a vent was placed between the old and new window to create a vapor barrier that keeps out condensation while providing maximum insulation.
| Best Historic Preservation GBCA Award of Merit—Adaptive Reuse Best of Awards Mid-Atlantic Construction Magazine Exterior Restoration and Adaptive Reuse of a Prominent Historic Building Grand Jury Project Award Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia |
