BOK yearbo[o]k 2023

Greenly Plant Co.

Bok is a historic former school that has been thoughtfully adapted into a vital part of the Philadelphia creative landscape. Today, the 340,000 square foot building is home to over 200 makers, non-profits, and small businesses ranging from jewelry makers to video production studios to a school for contemporary realist art to the Wyss Wellness Center, which offers clinical care and social services to patients regardless of their citizenship or health insurance status.

Bok is a place of imagination, sweat, enthusiasm, and opportunity. If laid out horizontally, the building would occupy nine city blocks and holds within it as much diversity as the community it serves. Over 670 people work at Bok on a daily basis, and we host upwards of 700 events here each year. The rooftop bar (Bok Bar) attracts more than 97,000 visitors every season. Additionally, over 63,000 guests attended events hosted in the building this year, double the number of guests in 2022!

In 2023, the Bok team took a “water where planted” approach, as we continued to steward the building through a series of tenant relocations, reorganizations, and expansions. Even though the building was nearly 100% occupied, the Scout team spent a lot of the fall “re-planting” existing tenants in new spaces to support their growth and enable them to reposition their businesses in ways that allowed them to thrive.

We were excited to welcome new additions, such as Queens Vintage Guitars (a used and vintage instrument shop), Solidarity Stained Glass (a stained glass practice), and Vessel Garden (a ceramic studio), among many others. The Bok team finished a major building-wide electrical infrastructure upgrade with our new dedicated transformer on Dudley Street— power on!

Here’s a look at our eighth year tending to the big, diverse, and beautiful garden that is Bok.

bok by the numbers

of businesses started in a home office or studio 1/2

30%

of businesses are under 5 years old

61% of tenants live in South Philadelphia

1/5 Minority-owned businesses

52%

Woman-owned businesses

Independence Hall

Bok

City Hall

348,000 ft2 of building space

1/3

of the building is leased to non-profits

3 in 5 building employees walk, bike, or take public transportation

Bok business categories

73% of the building is occupied by artists, makers, and creatives

“We are forever grateful to [Scout] for envisioning this innovative community and for their generosity and expertise. As a classical art school, we love how the maintenance crew makes the craftsmanship of the building shine.”

Dan Mahlman, Studio Incamminati

“This year we had the opportunity to open our second location in Fishtown! We truly would not have been ready for this next step if we had not started at Bok and experienced the ups and downs and rewards and challenges of running a retail shop. We can’t imagine our story without taking the first leap and choosing to plant our roots at Bok.”

Colleen Manjarrez, Greenly Plant Co.

“In 2023, Bok celebrated alongside us the exoneration and release of two of our wrongfully convicted clients, freed after a collective 30 years in prison, and cried with us over the sudden, tragic loss of one of our beloved team members. We are grateful for the support we receive from [the Bok team] and our fellow community members, as well the constant creative inspiration.”

Jennifer Merrigan, Phillips Black

“Bok is a cozy place that we love. For several months we used the auditorium for our rehearsals, and now we have been welcomed into the Mural Arts space. It is a small space, but it means a lot to us because we can carry out our activities in comfort and above all we love the security that Bok offers.”

Edgar Ramírez, Ñuuxakun

building bok

Bok has a dedicated team of professionals who work hard to maintain this massive and majestic historic building, help guests navigate our halls, and keep our community happy.

Matt Ober

Ralph Simmons

Steve Sabulsky

Frank Stephan

Steve Wilson

Jermaine Young

Scout is an urban development and design practice reimagining how once neglected places can be transformed into vibrant and unexpected spaces. With a diverse mix of expertise— from design and planning to project management and community engagement—we bring a thoughtful pragmatism to our work.

bok events

Whether it’s a wedding, craft market, workshop, music performance, sports tournament, or fancy gala, our staff activates our venue spaces and ensures each and every event in the building runs smoothly.

1 Brogan Austin Events Manager

3 Matt Garza Event Support

2 Jonah Belsky Events + Marketing Intern

4 Bee Marigold Event Support 5 Elise Miller Bok Wed Manager

7 Rob Williams Events Coordinator 6 Juan Tang Hon Event Support

8 Sarah Woods Bok Wed Coordinator

this year @ bok

key accomplishments

Our work on Bok is never done, and we’re proud of the projects tackled and milestones reached this year.

1

Record visitation

Bok saw a record high of over 160,000 visitors across building community events, with spring Open Studios attracted over 4,000 visitors in one night! We are proud to have hosted 15 small business markets, featuring over 300 vendors representing the diversity of artists and makers in the region.

2 Infrastructure upgrades

This year the Bok team completed the final stage of major building-wide electrical infrastructure upgrades: the installation of a dedicated transformer on Dudley Street, ensuring we will be powered up for years to come.

3

Tenant retention

While office space vacancy reached a record high of 22% in Philadelphia in 2023, Bok experienced under 10% turnover. 2023 was marked instead by exciting growth for Bok businesses. Noteworthy expansions include Amy Novinski who doubled the footprint of her dance studio and Redshift Sports which had spaces across multiple floors and consolidated their team into one expansive space on the sixth floor.

awards + recognitions

We’re impressed with our community members, and it turns out the world is too. Here are some of the accolades they racked up last year.

AIA Philadelphia Design Awards 2023 Historic Preservation / Adaptive Reuse Category Gnome Architects

Brides Magazine

12 of the Most Unique Wedding Venues in the US

Bok Wed

City of Philadelphia’s 2023 Philadelphia

Welcoming Awards

Health and Wellness Achievement Award

The Wyss Wellness Center

Hospitality Design

Up-and-Coming Hotelier of the Year

The Deacon Hospitality Group

James Beard Award 2023 Semifinalist

Machine Shop

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

Philadelphia Business Journal

40 Under 40

Lindsey Scannapieco

Philadelphia Magazine

Best of Philly 2023

Alex Tominsky

Best Poultry Protagonist

Drag Mafia’s Drag Brunches

Best Drag Show to Bring your Grandparents To

Kinfolk Bride

Best Bridal Boutique

Revival Letterpress

Best Old-School Invites

Room Shop

Best Hair Accessories

Smith and Diction

Best Logo Designer

Solar Myth (Ars Nova Workshop)

Best New Bar

Philadelphia Magazine

150 Most Influential People in Philadelphia

Conrad Benner

Patron Saint of Public Art

Lindsey Scannapieco Old-School Invigorator

Stoneleigh Foundation Fellowship with Philadelphia DA’s Conviction Integrity Unit

Jenny Merrigan at Phillips Black Urban Land Institute (ULI)

Americas Awards of Excellence, Special Mention

Bok

One of 20 select projects in the US

The Wyss Wellness Center receives their Welcoming Award from Mayor Kenney

“The Bok Building, a 348,000-square-foot decommissioned school, is today the creative workplace for more than 200 designers, architects, artists, chefs, musicians, jewelers and entrepreneurs in South Philly. Early in the day, neighborhood folks swing by for freshbaked baguettes and orange-cardamom morning buns from the award-winning Machine Shop bakery. But arrive in the afternoon to explore the wares inside the half-dozen first-floor shops: glass design pieces and illustrations made in the building at Baby Tooth, glossy iridescent vases at Rider Ceramics, and candy-colored planters at Greenly Plant Co. After 5 p.m., head to the eighth floor for a drink at Bok Bar, an open-air rooftop with food pop-ups, cultural events, live music and an unbeatable view across the city.”

‘36 Hours in Philadelphia’ Photo of Forever Valentine Tattoo by Caroline Gutman

buzz about: bok

From design to food and festivities, the team behind Bok’s operating businesses grabbed headlines in 2023.

BOK & BOK EVENTS

The Old City Wedding Stroll Returns, an Indie Wedding Showcase at the Bok and More Big Day Events

36 Hours in Philadelphia

Jam out to live music, dine on local cuisine and get creative with arts and crafts at Bok’s annual street festival

A view of Philadelphia from the rooftop bar at the Bok Building

Middle Child wins best breakfast contest on ‘Good Morning America’

Enjoy all-you-can-eat tacos from South Philly chefs at Bok Building food festival

Hispanic Heritage Month in Philly: 25+ Events & Fests for 2023

BOK BAR

Bok Bar and Triple Bottom Cherry Blossom Beer Garden open for the season

Talking Business with Don Cunningham: Making the old new again

This art market is featuring trans and queer creatives

A holiday market with a Latino twist comes to South Philadelphia

A Philly dance group is helping Mexican American children connect to their roots

Best Restaurants In Philadelphia For Rooftop And Outdoor Dining

IRWIN’S

Where to Eat When You Forgot to Make a Reservation on a Friday Night

Anatomy of a Philly Neighborhood Restaurant

Sample cocktails, dishes from local chefs when Bok Bar reopens this spring

A Guide to Drag Shows & Drag Brunches in Philly Flower dog, mutt-ofhonor, best pooch. Philly’s Bow Wow Weddings gets them all to the church on time

South Philly’s Bok Bar boasts unparalleled views, delicious cocktails

Executive Chef Michael Vincent Fererri of Irwin’s Reveals His New Concept: Salvatore’s Counter

At Irwin’s, chef Michael Vincent Ferreri launches a four-seat chef’s counter

“[Remark Glass is] not only finding the beauty in trash; they’re transforming it into something worth sipping from, displaying on a bookcase, or lighting a room.”

“On the surface, it feels like an upscale boutique, but [Kinfolk Bride] owner Mayana Carter’s curated collections also focus on diverse women designers and sustainability.”

buzz about: bok community

Our community really knows how to get the town talking!

Here are just a handful of the local and national media mentions Bok businesses received this year.

ALL CAPS STUDIO

ComplexLand Brands to Watch: ALL CAPS STUDIO

Wants to Promote Growth and Positivity Through Clothing

AMAZULU COLLECTIONS

2023-24 City Edition

Presented by Crypto.com and Inspired by Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market

AMY NOVINSKI

Here’s Where You Can Take a Drop-in Dance Class in and Around Philly

ARTXSTITCH

Meet the Philadelphians tasked with embroidering presidential flags

AUBRIE COSTELLO

“Through Tuft the World, not only do Alexander and Eads live out their mission of making art more accessible, they also stay true to their values of equity and sustainability.”

Philly’s ‘Erotic Project’ makes art ‘eroticism for all.’ Selfies welcome, clothes optional

Erotic art softens up Asian Arts Initiative

BABY TOOTH

Chainmail jewelry maker Kiki Griffin found community at the Bok Building’s Baby Tooth

BEEHIVE

‘Mompreneurs’ raise money for charity

DAYS AWAY CREATIVE

Best of Weddings 2023

DRAGONFLY AUDIO POST

Revenge Drama Perfectly Good Moment to have Northeast Premiere at Philadelphia Independent Film Fest

FABSCRAP

A Brief But Spectacular take on textile waste and fashion sustainability

Sourcing at Magic: FabScrap, Drexel University Speak to the Importance of Circular Design

THE CRAFTSHIP

The Craftship helps kids craft problem-solving skills through playful art!

Philly Mompreneurs supporting each other through businesses, families

FOREVER VALENTINE TATTOO

This Moody Autumn Wedding Was Inspired by the Couple’s Love for Tattoo Art

FRANKLIN + WHITMAN

The Old City Wedding Stroll Returns, an Indie Wedding Showcase at the Bok and More Big Day Events

HAIAMA BEAUTY

The Creators: Philadelphia founder eyes $300K funding to scale natural Black hair care line

JEFF RUBIO

Jeff Rubio Chains Ceramic Beads and Childhood Memory in Giant Lizard Sculptures

KINFOLK BRIDE

An Inclusive, Sustainable Bridal Salon Is Now Open at the Bok Building

Kinfolk Bride brings bio-friendly bridalwear to Bok Building

NONI

Size-inclusive, vintageclothing shop Noni to open in Bok Building this summer

PHILLIPS BLACK

Another Philly murder case was tossed for its connections to disgraced ex-homicide detective Philip Nordo

STOVER CERAMICS

Sixers’ Patrick Beverley makes hopes clear: ‘Hell yeah’ he wants James Harden in Philly

STREETS DEPT.

Public Art & The Flamingo Fiasco

Putting the Rich World of Philadelphia’s Public Art Online

TWO PERSONS

The Sprudge Guide To Philadelphia Coffee In 2023

KLIP COLLECTIVE

Klip Collective is celebrating 20 years of evolution in creating immersive experiences

MACHINE SHOP

James Beard Awards name 18 Philadelphia-area restaurants, chefs among 2023 semifinalists

REMARK GLASS

Local innovators divert glass from the landfill

How this glassblowing company is transforming old champagne bottles into keepsakes

Repurpose your old glass and make it into a keepsake at Remark Glass

STUDIO INCAMMINATI

Ukrainian refugees in Philly step into the light to have their portraits painted

TUFT THE WORLD

Bok Building’s newest tenant specializes in the unique art of rug tufting

WEARWELL

Balletcore Fashion Is Trending—Here’s How to Get the Look

These Lightweight, Breezy Dresses Are Perfect for Summer — and They Start at Just $15

We Have An Exclusive 30% Discount On A Sustainable, Editor-Approved Brand

WEAVER HOUSE

Your guide to the many, many holiday markets in Philly this year

Weaving together a holiday craft market

MINIMAL CHAOS

The Old City Wedding Stroll Returns, an Indie Wedding Showcase at the Bok and More Big Day Events

MURAL ARTS

Local artist, educators praise ‘Abbott Elementary’s Mural Arts episode

‘Abbott Elementary’ will give Mural Arts Philadelphia a moment in the spotlight

ROOM SHOP

Taylor Swift Parties and Specials to Celebrate the Eras Tour Coming to Philly

SABBATICAL BEAUTY

Come for the politics, stay for the products: a Q&A with Sabbatical Beauty’s Adeline Koh

10 Philly-Area Wellness Experiences That Double as Mother’s Day Gifts

6 Philly-Made Beauty Products That’ll Save Your Skin This Winter

Art rugs put artificial intelligence underfoot in Philly exhibit

Explore Philly’s fiber art scene with these 6 classes

THE WELCOMING CENTER

Free Spanish language film club El Conejo en el Faro connects community through film in South Philly

“Philly’s Spanish speakers can enjoy Latin American movies, community gathering and cultural discourse at El Conejo en el Faro, a new film club started by a local screenwriter [Itzel Gonzáles].”

SECOND DAUGHTER BAKING CO.

The Old City Wedding Stroll Returns, an Indie Wedding Showcase at the Bok and More Big Day Events

“But from its very beginning, [Sabbatical Beauty] has been infused with Koh’s same politics, dedicated to combating white supremacy and patriarchy while uplifting other progressive organizations.”

new faces + spaces

In 2023, we were excited to support the many members of our community who deepened their roots and extended their branches at Bok. Established tenants including Amazulu, Amy Novinski, BiFocal, Braxton Guitars, The Craftship, Done & Dusted, Girls Inc., KG Strong, Mangrove Media, Redshift Sports and Weaver House took on a cumulative 9,302 additional sq ft across the building, more than doubling their footprint on average. We also welcomed 17 new tenants to our community including DICE, Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia, Mighty Writers, NONI’s vintage and homewares shop, and many others. With the full building mostly full at any given time, we’ve entered a new phase that requires the leasing team to get creative when it comes to supporting current tenants’ needs to expand or downsize, utilizing space more effectively and continuing to grow our community.

New tenant ARTxSTITCH, an embroidery artist studio

KG Strong’s new basement space

New business Queens Vintage Guitars, a vintage guitar shop

community

seniors in the building since 2015-2017

Abby Schwartz

Associates

AJ Clarinets

Amazulu Collections

Ars Nova Workshop

Art Sphere

Blair Brothers Music

Bok Bar

Bottle Underground

Braxton Guitars

CAGE

Cheyne Rood

Chris Reed

Colin Lenton

David Guinn

David Morgan

David Pap

Done & Dusted

Emily Eichelberger

FEB31st

Federation of Neighborhood Centers

Firth & Wilson Transport Cycles

Forever Valentine Beauty

Forever Valentine Tattoo

Franklin & Whitman

Fringe Salon Garces Foundation

G. Kellum Gnome Architects

Isaac Lin

Jason Forrest

Jessica Saint Beauty

KG Strong

Klip Collective

Kyle Cook

Laos in the House

Lauren Lyles

Leslie Abend

Lobo Mau Designs Machine Shop Boulangerie

Madlab Entertainment

seniors

Mallory Weston

Mangrove Media

Maria Eife

Matt Stanley Photo

in the building since 2015-2017

Melanie Bilenker

Milder Furniture

Miles Table

Phillips Black

Project P.L.A.Y. School

Remark Glass

Revival Letterpress

Ryan Johnson

Sam Oberter

Scout

Shira Walinsky

Steve Boyle Photo

StevieChris

Stover Ceramics

Studio Kitchen Consulting

Thom Lessner

Toner Architect

Vivas Music

juniors in the building since 2018-2019

1 HP Entertainment

Alex Wasserman

ALL CAPS STUDIO

Andrew Mead, Ben Sibley, Cory J Popp

Aubrie Costello

Bandit

Beehive @ BOK

Bevy of Objects

BiFocal Creative

BlackStar Projects

Caroline Kunka

Charles Todd

CMG Design

Colin Comstock

Crisco & Frisco

Deacon Hospitality Group

Design Manifest

Diadora

Dindga McCannon

Dragonfly Audio Post

juniors

Echo Metals

Elizabeth Bergland

Elliot Reynolds

Ellyse Bendillo

Ficks Music

James Dybvig

Jeff Rubio

JT Kane

Kara Howland Design

Kate Dannenberg

Lace in the Moon

Lea Colie Wight

Linda Dennin

Lynn Snyder

Marcelino Stuhmer

My ND Integrative Health

Myriad Magnetic Ohm Family Chiropractic

PhilaTuner

Rachel Pierson Art

juniors

Rebecca Asch

Redshift Sports RGA Associates

Rider Ceramics

in the building since 2018-2019

Roantree Weaves

Robert Boone Room Shop

Sabbatical Beauty

Scale Design Group

Scipio’s Commercial Cleaning

Shira Friedman

Sierra Barela

SKOVES ART

Smith & Diction Streets Dept Studio Incamminati

Sweetwater Portraits

Symone Salib

T. Kahres Jewelry

Texture Florals

juniors

The Tiny Jeweler

The Water Trust

Two Persons

Uh Huh Art Objects

Wag Days

WC Pottery

Weaver House

Wyss Wellness Center

Dindga McCannon

sophomores

A.Filomena

Alejandro Escobar

Alexander Tominsky

Amy Novinski

Amy Swanepoel & Ben Reiley

Anthony DeMelas

Aubrey Levinthal

Baby Tooth

Bok Events

Cannuscio Rader Family Foundation

Danielle Siegelbaum

David Campell

Days Away Creative

The Deli Collective FABSCRAP

Four/Ten Media

Girls Inc.

Gladney Hall

Greenly Plant Co.

Gregory Hanson

in the building since 2020-2022

sophomores

Gustavo Prado

Haiama Beauty Co

Holly Simple Studio

Irwin’s

Jack Kubizne

Jacob Zelenkofske

Jason Killinger

Jennifer Riley

Jessica Lawrence

Jolie Ngo

Katrina Sorrentino

Kinfolk Bride

Kirby Lowenstein

Minimal Chaos

Mural Arts

Nazeer Sabree

Nicole Aro

Out&Back Creative

Overhead Mgmt

Parcel Island

sophomores

Past Present Projects

Pet Riso Studio

PhillyWisper

Rachel Shelar

Rapport Communications

Ruth Feldman

Sarah Rachel Brown

Second Daughter Baking Co in the building since 2020-2022

Studio 1935

Studio Bladel

Surry Hills Stones

The Bowery Presents

The Craftship

Theodore A. Harris

Tony Havrilla U90

Ugly Art

WebShop GiftShop

Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians

Wild Chairy

Haiama Beauty

Yamanya Natural You Wraps

freshmen in the building since 2023

ARTXSTITCH

Avenue West

Bouffants and Broken Hearts

Candorfilm

Catt Fields White

Char & Whiskers

The Chicken

Claire Whitehurst

Danielle Toronyi

DG Printlabs

DICE

Emily Stroud

Emma Vieser

Hyde Guitars

James Bailey

John Quick Ceramics

MarkoArt

Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia

Mighty Writers

Nicky Pasterfield

freshmen

Queen Village Guitars Ryan Putnam

NONI

Possum Creek Games

Wearwell

Yuvaroo Studio

Solidarity Stained Glass Tuft the World

Valerio D’Ospina Vessel Garden

community collaborations

Collaboration is key to Bok, and our community members are always finding ways to work together. Teamwork makes the dream work!

1 Studio Incamminati community artwork

Students at Studio Incamminati used Bok tenants Machine Shop, Greenly Plant Co., Rider Ceramics, NONI, Project P.L.A.Y., and Minimal Chaos as inspiration for pieces showcased at their Fall Fundraiser Gala.

5

Weaver House Fiber Market

Weaver House’s Fiber Craft Market was one of the largest small business markets Bok has ever hosted—with over 1,500 people attending and 75 vendors participating. Many of those vendors reported record sales numbers for the day!

2

The Craftship x Room Shop

Leading up to Taylor Swift’s shows in Philly, Bok community members The Craftship and Room Shop teamed up to host an adults-only evening of bracelet-making, Taylor Swift music, and Swiftie bonding.

6 You Wraps

Bok tenant You Wraps is a large format print and design firm that provides in-house signage and wall prints to a number of tenants at Bok. KG Strong, Bok Bar, and the Auditorium at Bok have all used their services!

3 Rider Ceramics x Forever Valentine Tattoo

Ceramics artist Lauren Rider and tattoo artist Chris Romolini of Forever Valentine collaborated on a “modern take on an ancient art” by combining tattoo illustration with functional ceramics.

7 Bok by Community

There is no shortage of talent within Bok’s walls, and this year creatives including designer Corinne Dodenhoff, architectural photographer Sam Oberter, and illustrator James Dybvig (work pictured) worked with the building team to capture Bok in all its glory.

4 Made @ Bok

This year Made @ Bok hosted 5 markets that attracted more than 5,000 visitors. Seventy vendors participated across all markets, and included food trucks, a Bok Bar pop up, and live portrait painting by Studio Incamminati. Bok tenants Corinne Dodenhoff of NONI and Jacob Alvarez of You Wraps helped to create a stunning new rebrand for Made @ Bok.

community impact

Our building community never fails to amaze us with their incredible work. Here are some highlights from 2023.

2 SEAMAAC

Sister organization of Remark Glass, Bottle Underground strives to reduce glass waste through recirculation and recycling. In 2023, the nonprofit diverted over 125,000 lbs of glass from the waste stream; carried out over 500 collections of glass from restaurants, bars, and homes with their e-bike; upcycled over 10,000 bottles into new barware, tableware, and lighting; and provided opportunities for twelve community members experiencing barriers to employment.

Over the course of 2023, Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Associations Coalition (SEAMAAC) served over 1,200 clients at the Wyss Wellness Center. In December, SEAMAAC collected a total of 700 toys for their Holiday Toy Drive. Throughout the year, approximately 130 individual elders from the local Indonesian, Chinese, Laotian, and Vietnamese communities regularly attended SEAMAAC’s weekly gatherings held at Bok.

In 2023, Char & Whiskers collaborated with the community to make donations to animal welfare organizations, including the SPCA, PAWS, Fishtails Animal Rescue, Philly Bully Team, Green Street Rescue, and Street Tails Animal Rescue. Nearly 1,000 pounds of dog and cat food were donated, and hundreds of gently used pet items such as clothing, toys, bowls, leashes, collars, harnesses, and clean towels were provided to the rescues for use in bedding and cleanup.

The Garces Foundation is a community-based, nonprofit organization committed to providing Philadelphia’s immigrant population with healthcare, education, and support. In 2023, they had 420 students in English and GED classes. Students of their English classes experienced a 94% improvement rate! The Foundation also donated 2,700 boxes of food for families in need, and 134 patients’ dental and medical needs were treated at Community Health Day.

4 Garces Foundation

1 Bottle Underground

3 Char & Whiskers

The Community Fridge operates as a 100% volunteer-run mutual aid organization, with 75 volunteers and an email list of 500 neighbors. They have 11+ weekly food-rescue pick-ups thanks to partnerships with local food providers and grocery stores.

In 2023, they raised $80,000, with $75,000 invested back into distributing nourishment to neighbors. At the Community Fridge outside of Bok, volunteers recorded 482 stocks of food donated by partners!

South Philly Community Fridge

community impact

6

The Federation of Neighborhood Centers (FNC)

In 2023, FNC placed interns into 217 internship positions within each of their specified fields across the city (a new record!). Thirteen of those intern spots were within the Bok building, learning from all types of makers and creatives.

7

FABSCRAP

FABSCRAP is a nonprofit that works to keep fabric out of landfills by working with designers and retail companies to intake, sort, recycle, and resell their discarded clothing and fabric. The company has 36 active clients in Pennsylvania, and in 2023 their 2,246 volunteers at the Bok location sorted over 70,000 lbs of fabric, diverting nearly 500,000 lbs from landfills.

8

Ñuuxakun Dance

Ñuuxakun is a community group created by the Mexicanos in Philadelphia Initiative and Philatinos Media’s community work groups. The group teaches Mexican culture to families through folk dance, children’s acting workshops, and a promotion of reading. By 2023 they had more than 15 performances under their belt, like a performance at Penn Museum and at the opening of an Opera recital in the Bok Auditorium.

9

The Welcoming Center

The Welcoming Center is a non-profit that works to support immigrant entrepreneurs and professionals. Their Bok hub is specifically focused on supporting entrepreneurs and craftspeople looking to sell their goods to the world. In 2023, The Association of Mexican Business Owners of Philadelphia (fiscally sponsored by The Welcoming Center) hosted 300 people for their Taco Fiesta fundraiser at Bok, raising over $2,000.

events

events

From staples like Open Studios and the B[L]OK Party to fundraisers and parties that bring people together and raise awareness about important issues, there is no shortage of exciting events at Bok all year round.

bok open studios

Open Studios reached new heights in 2023, drawing in over 4,000 visitors eager to engage with our community. Held twice a year in the spring and fall, this bi-annual event brings visitors into direct contact with makers, artists, and small businesses who call Bok home. Guests got a peek at works in progress, shopped products made at Bok, learned about the programming of nonprofits in the building, enjoyed live music, participated in demos our community, and caught a great sunset up a Bok Bar.

B[L]OK party

Our take on the classic summer-in-the-city block party! Now in its 8th year, this highly anticipated event unites the neighborhood in a celebration of all things Bok and South Philly. Attracting hundreds of families and neighbors, the event features performances by local dance groups, activities for kids, live music, vendors and, of course, a bounce house! It’s a joy-filled day that embodies the community spirit of Bok and of our wider neighborhood.

alumni day

Every August, we welcome hundreds of Bok Vocational Tech graduates back to their old stomping grounds for Alumni Day, an all-day celebration that reconnects former classmates, teachers, and friends. We believe that honoring the rich history of the building and staying connected with the alumni community is a crucial part of this mission. Alumni Day is packed with fun activities including tours, slideshows, live music, and a reception at Bok Bar. Go Wildcats!

events

Elders’ Breakfasts with SEAMAAC

Blackstar film series

Studio Incamminati Gala

Mifflin St. Tree Farewell

Day of the Dead with the Welcoming Center

Made at Bok market

community events

$220K+ worth of event space donated in 2023

317 community events sponsored through discounted rental rate or in-kind donations

We love to partner with organizers outside of the building who share our vision of creating a better Philadelphia — and world — for all. In 2023, we offered discounted spaces for events that celebrate our city’s youth, diversity, and culture. We are proud to support events that promote important causes, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with those who share our values.

A few highlights from 2023 include:

• Day of the Dead with The Welcoming Center

• Auditorium film series with BlackStar

• Elders’ breakfasts with SEAMAAC

• Studio Incamminati gala

• Bok tenant mixers

• Southwark graduation

• Mifflin St. tree farewell

• Bok holiday party

events

Philatinos

Philly Story Fest

Candlelight at Bok Bar

Fiber Craft Market

Be Well Philly festival

external events

393 events with external partners

40K visitors to bok Attracted

Bok’s venue rental spaces bring a diverse variety of clients and events to the building, featuring large and small businesses, nonprofits, artist collectives, athletic groups and much more. In 2023 we hosted corporate retreats, a health and wellness festival, commercial photoshoots, crafting workshops, wedding engagement sessions, pickup soccer leagues, and many other types of events!

A few highlights from 2023 include:

• Monument Lab annual fundraiser

• Taco Fiesta

• Good Morning America taping

• Puma campaign photoshoots

• Philly Story Fest

• Candlelight at Bok Bar

• Authentic Flamenco dance

• Be Well Philly festival

• Fiber craft market

• Casa soccer league

events

Puma Photoshoot

rooftop

irwin’s

Chef Michael Vincent Ferreri’s cuisine is steeped in tradition, with familial recipes rooted in Sicilian history. Relationships with local farmers and fish mongers are integral to Ferreri’s cuisine, celebrating the seasons and the farmers that harvest the best of their terroir.

In 2019, Ferreri was named among Philadelphia’s Star Chefs Rising Stars. That same year he fulfilled a life-long dream of cooking at The James Beard House in New York City. In 2021, Irwin’s was invited to host the James Beard Foundation’s Taste of America event and was named amongst the Best New Restaurants in America by Esquire Magazine. In 2022 the restaurant earned a place on Bon Appetit ’s coveted 10 Best New Restaurants list, and has been included in Philadelphia Magazine’s Top 50 Restaurants list every year since opening.

Michael Ferreri Executive Chef

Ervis Kullolli Chef de Cuisine

Taylor Fellerman General Manager

Michael Lancaster Wine Director

Damián Langarica Beverage Manager

bok bar

Returning for its eighth year, Philly’s favorite rooftop bar was back in a big way in 2023. The bar saw over 100,000 visitors and hosted more than 30 free events over the course of the 29 week season. Bok Bar focuses on being an inclusive space accessible to everyone, and highlighting our city’s diversity of talent with monthly rotating chef partnerships and event residencies. 90% of our 2023 partners were womanor minority-owned businesses. Taking pride in being part of much more than just a bar, the Bok Bar staff return to their seasonal roles year after year to help bring the good vibes to this special space.

Food Partners

April

Porco’s Porchetteria & Small Oven Pastry Shop, Italian specialty sandwiches

May

Tabachoy, Filipino eats

June

Kalaya x Fiore Fine Foods, Thai-Italian collab

July

Puyero, Venezuelan flavor

August

Chef Khoran Horn, seafood test concept

September

Jezebel’s Cafe, NW Argentine traditions

October

Sweet Amalia Market & Kitchen, NJ shellfish + sandwiches

Ian Kingsbery General Manager

Heather Jackson Assistant General Manager

Monthly Event Residencies

Sunset Drag Show

Brittany Lynn & her Drag Mafia

Salsa Night

DJ Big George + DJ Vspice

‘Boot Scoot’ Country Line Dancing

DJ Hugo Max + Giddy Up Philly

Special Events

Cosmic Rhythms Party

BWC Sounds

Front of House DJ Series

Bok Bar bartenders DJ Lady Problems, DJ Nick Robot, DJ Ex-Cathedra

100k bar guests came through our doors

75% of our team has been with us for 3+ years

7 food partners

29 week season

30+ free events hosted on the roof

90% of food + event partners were Woman or Minorityowned businesses

bok bar by the numbers

dedication

The Mifflin Street Tree

1980s - 2023

Providing busstop shade on hot summer days, brilliant color in the fall, a stage for Halloween decor and so much more, the beloved Sassafras tree at the stoop on 9th and Mifflin will be remembered as Bok’s giving tree.

© 2023

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission in writing from the publisher. Scout has made every effort to trace copyright holders, but if any have been overlooked, we will be pleased to make the necessary accreditations at the first opportunity.

Thank you to all the writers, photographers, and contributors of this project.

Edited by Scout | Designed by Kelley Garrard