PZS ARCHITECTS
Firm Profile PZS Architects strikes a balance between collaboration and creativity, working with clients to understand their needs and designing solutions to help meet their goals. PZS identifies each project and client as a unique opportunity to provide form to our clients’ aspirations with our fresh perspective and flexible approach to achieve projects that exceed expectations and deliver elegant results. We engage our clients with ongoing and open dialogue so that every project is grounded in a realistic understanding of the project’s purpose and the client’s parameters. Through this collaboration, we strive to create architecture that enriches people’s lives and elevates the human spirit. PZS Architects was founded as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) in 1993. Since then PZS has established a diverse portfolio of educational, corporate, commercial, and residential work. Approaching every project as a unique challenge, and allowing its uniqueness to present opportunities, has earned us commissions varying in size and scope. Each reflects our design team’s shared attention to detail and commitment to involving all of a project’s stakeholders. The firm was founded in 1993 by partners David Polatnick, AIA, and Mario Zacharjasz, AIA, and with partner Michael Skolnick, AIA, they share practice management responsibilities and lead a staff of design professionals committed both to the highest quality of design and to our clients. The firm’s collaborative approach ensures that everyone is motivated and energized by the design process. We measure project success by the relationships we develop with clients, and the way architecture enhances our clients’ lives and businesses. Our clients often share with us their repeat projects – and their friendship – for just this reason.
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Partnership MARIO ZACHARJASZ, AIA Recognized by many as the face of PZS Architects, Mario Zacharjasz exudes an energy that inspires the firm and its clients. His 25 years of experience include an emphasis on educational, multi-family housing, and civic architecture for clients ranging from the School District of Philadelphia to the Army Corps of Engineers. Born in Cuba, Mario moved to the US when he was three years old and continues to maintain strong ties to his heritage and the local Latin American community. Mario is dedicated to Philadelphia’s non-profit organizations; actively working with groups such as Esperanza, the Salvation Army and Aspira, Inc. Mario is a former President of the AIA, an executive board member and past board president of the Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Mario serves on the Mayor’s Commission for Construction Industry Diversity, and was recently appointed by the Mayor to the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation Board. He serves on the Board of Managers for Moore College of Art and Design and is a former board member with the United Way of South Eastern Pennsylvania.
DAVID POLATNICK, AIA It was David’s entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm that started PZS Architects. ce and to clients as a dedicated and sensitive designer with a great eye for details and the ability to take every stakeholder’s needs into consideration. His honest passion for his work has endeared many clients with whom he has made lasting friendships. David’s more than 25 years of professional experience have included the planning and design of large-scale retail shopping centers as well as historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects, where he is particularly adept at breathing new life into old or outdated buildings. David received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Temple University.
MICHAEL SKOLNICK, AIA A partner in PZS Architects since 1998, Michael guides the firm’s design with his critical thinking and organization. Michael’s keen understanding of programming and planning sets the tone for each projects success. Whether working to further refine a design to meet a client’s needs or steering a project to proceed as planned, he is committed to high levels of client service and architectural excellence. His 30+ years of professional experience have included pharmaceutical, institutional, and corporate projects, as well as designs for high-end multifamily residential projects. Michael earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Temple University and is a former president of AIA Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Urban Land Institute and the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, and is a trustee at The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf.
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The Ayer Philadelphia, PA Grand Jury Award Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia
PZS Architects design of The Ayer building complements the building’s original historic fabric while intro-ducing contemporary amenities. The main lobby, recognized as one of the most majestic lobby spaces in Philadelphia, was preserved with a forensically-accurate paint scheme, including restoration of the original silver gilding. A new floating bench and shelf element crafted of eucalyptus wood reduces the grand scale of the lobby. The unusual asymmetry of the space was modified with ceiling interventions, while subtle lighting was used to highlight sculptural details. The modern materials palette introduced in the lobby is carried forth into elevators cabs and upper floor lobbies to create a consistent look and feel. The 130,000 SF build-ing was renovated and converted into sixty luxury condominiums, including a fitness center, business cen-ter and interior parking. Residential interiors feature an ultra-modern design, differentiating the building from other traditional and transitional style residential developments in the city. Details reinforce the integration of modern design within a timeless building. New energy efficient building systems and MEP equipment were incorporated into this project. The design and construction included replacement of MEP systems while maintaining the ongoing operations of the first floor restaurant tenant. In addition, construction and oc-cupancy of the residential units were completed on a phased basis.
EXTERIOR UPGRADES The limestone exterior was restored including the including the corner friezes and windows were replaced by new energy efficient windows. Minimalist balconies and a new up lighting scheme were added to reinforce the building exterior.
Bathrooms are clad in pure white Thassos tile or Limestone with Duravit fixtures.
10 Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia, PA PZS Architects, in association with Robert A.M. Stern Architects, designed a world-class residential condominium tower on Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. The project consisted of three historic buildings that together occupy the site’s entire Walnut Street frontage will be preserved and restored as part of this project. Two of these, the Presbyterian Ministers Fund for Life Insurance Building, known as the Alison Building, at 1805 Walnut Street and the Fell-Van Renssalaer House at 1801 Walnut Street will remain as they exist except for judicious façade restoration. The third building occupying the site’s Walnut Street frontage is the historic Rittenhouse Club of Philadelphia at 1811 Walnut Street. The façade of this building is preserved while the original building’s volume is replaced by a new five-story building housing ground-floor retail with four full-floor residential condominiums above. The tower is set back behind these three buildings by approximately 110 feet and rises with a series of setbacks which provide roof terraces to a height of 396 feet. Entrances to the residential tower are located on Walnut Street, through the preserved Rittenhouse Club façade, and on 18th Street through an east-facing garden courtyard. Other than these two residential entrances, and enclosed loading docks and a parking entrance located on Sansom Street, the site’s entire frontage on Walnut, 18th, and Sansom Streets opens to retail storefronts.
The oval-shaped lobby was designed to be open and inviting with a domed ceiling. The oval connects the entry courtyard with the entrance on Rittenhouse Square.
Part of the amenities floor includes a fitness center, yoga room, indoor lap pool, and lounge for residents. The indoor lap pool opens onto a garden terrace.
Rittenhouse Club Facade and The Alison Building Philadelphia, PA The Rittenhouse Club, located at 1811-1813 Walnut Street, serves as the front door to Rittenhouse Square and is the centerpiece of the 10 Rittenhouse Square condominium project. The Rittenhouse Club façade was designed in the Beaux-Arts style by the architectural firm of Newman Woodman & Harris, c. 1900. The building consisted of five stories. The first four stories were masonry bearing walls and wood framing. The fifth was of steel framed structure on masonry bearing walls. It is believed that two townhouses were combined and a limestone façade was added to create the Rittenhouse Club. Philadelphia Rittenhouse Developers, a joint venture of ARC Properties and Wheeler Brothers Holdings recognized the importance of maintaining the historic fabric of Rittenhouse Square, and was committed to preserving the façade of the Rittenhouse Club and incorporating it into the project. Due to the building’s inability to meet modern building codes and the deterioration of the existing structure, it was not feasible to preserve the entire building. Instead, the existing façade was restored and integrated into a new structure which connects to the 10 Rittenhouse tower via the lower level parking, first floor building and shares a garden courtyard on the third floor.
The Palmer Wynnewood, PA Completed in 2015 120,000 sf $35 million + Adaptive reuse + Historic tax credits obtained
PZS converted the four-story, 120,000 SF structure into 110 new apartments. Some of the amenities include a saltwater pool, fitness center and yoga room, a community garden, guest suite, and 24-hour doorman and concierge desk. The Palmer is a $35 million conversion of the former Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, which, in its first incarnation was the Green Hill Farms Hotel. This project received NPS historic tax credits and involved working with the NPS office of Interiors; in addition, this project takes place in a congested urban area on Philadelphia’s Main Line at the corner of City Avenue. PZS completed the design of this project, while working on several other projects, both in the Philadelphia area and across the state of Pennsylvania.
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RESIDENTIAL ADAPTIVE REUSE + RENOVATION
Lofts at Bella Vista Philadelphia, PA The Lofts at Bella Vista was a renovation and conversion completed by PZS Architects. Built in 1911 and originally used as a five-story warehouse and publishing facility for Curtis Publishing Company, the building is located in the heart of historic South Philadelphia. In designing the new complex, PZS Architects inserted interstitial mezzanines on each floor, giving each unit two floors of living space. These units range from 1,000 SF one bedrooms to 2,500 SF penthouses. In addition, 8 new ultra-modern villas, each with three levels of terraces and green roofs overlooking the city, were constructed on the existing roof. This project also features a ground-level lobby and greeting spaces, fitness center, conference room, and 78 parking spaces and loading facilities located in heated garages. Ultra-modern pods on the roof showcase the unobstructed view of the city’s skyline. The lobby features street-level glass windows. The units' 19-foot ceilings, exposed brick, and ductwork create an urban loft environment.
Completed in 2007 198,000 SF $25 million
Presidential City Apartments Philadelphia, PA Presidential City includes four, 12-story buildings. The building exteriors were completely re-skinned and a luxurious overhaul was provided within. The complex boasts an outdoor pool club and amenity space that is free for residents that CEO and co-founder Michael Pestronk described as “really world class.” It all comes together in a tasteful rebirth of a 1950’s-era development by an iconic Philadelphia builder, John McShain. Each building is named after a president, and the Washington was unveiled first with much fanfare. Post Brothers threw a large party for the finished building and toured people through some of the upscale apartments, about half of which were already leased upon completion. Pestronk said that most of the units are built with millennials in mind (compact units), though the complex also features larger "established adult-sized apartments" such as an 1,800 SF two bedroom apartment.
Lobby
Sugar Estates Senior Living St. Thomas, USVI • • • •
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80 units, affordable senior housing Serving seniors with low to moderate incomes Each unit is handicapped adaptable and includes energy-efficient appliances Designed with a holistic approach to wellness focusing on empowering residents through independent living, and providing necessary services to inspire overall health and well-being including medical screenings, nutritional counseling services, financial workshops, and social activities Community-focused amenities include a large community room with a kitchenette, a computer learning center, and large community living $35.7 million Funding sources include: LITHC, Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority funds, and Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Affordable Housing Program award
People's Emergency Center, 4050 Apartments Philadelphia, PA PZS Architects worked with People’s Emergency Center to develop the 4050 Apartment community. • • • • • • • • •
Low-income housing 20 multi-level units 1-3 bedrooms, ranging from 800 - 1,500 SF Apartments are catered towards artists Each unit has a dedicated studio/work space Multipurpose community space/gallery Courtyard area with green/gathering space PHFA/PRA/LISC funded LEED for homes // Rain garden PWD
The People’s Emergency Center’s mission is to nurture families, strengthen neighborhoods and drive change in West Philadelphia. PEC offers more than 250 affordable housing units, job training, parenting and early childhood education, financial education and planning, life skills and technology coursework. PEC seeks to change the life trajectory for the women and children who seek its services and inspire them to aspire to new heights. The PEC community development corporation programs respond to community needs and build on neighborhood assets to help bridge the digital divide, expand mixed-income housing opportunities, stimulate economic growth, create wealth, and improve the quality of life for all West Philadelphia residents.
Lindley Court Philadelphia, PA Currently under construction, Lindley Court will offer low income housing for age-restricted (65+) individuals. Including two health clinics on-site - a resident health care component as well as a neighborhood health clinic on first floor - and multi-purpose community space on first floor, residents and the surrounding community alike will have access to wellness and recreational amenities.
PROJECT CONTACT WES Health System Corporation 1926 Arch Street, 2nd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103 Melanie Gray 267 256.5201
The project included PHFA and PRA funding and was 25% subsidized. Once a construction manager was chosen, PZS worked hand-in-hand on value engineering strategies to lower the overall GMP. For example, the MEP portion of the project was reanalyzed and redesigned to reduce the costs associated with those trades. Each apartment is Energy Star compliant, also helping to reduce operational costs.
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
Roberto Clemente Homes Philadelphia, PA The 1.5 acre site for the Roberto Clemente Homes, located on 5th and Luzerne Streets, originally contained two former industrial buildings. One of the buildings was completely demolished, and the second building (the former Roberto Clemente Middle School) was selectively demolished, creating the framework for the three-story 54,000 sf building. The first floor provides 5,500 sf of commercial/retail space and 8 rental units, and the two floors above a contain 30 residential units. The development includes 28 two-bedroom/one bath units averaging 900 sf and 10 three-bedroom/one bath units averaging 1,200 sf. Each apartment has laundry and is equipped an independent thermostat system to allow for personalized temperature control. The development also features on-site parking, and a secure outdoor play area for children. The project is located on a commercial corridor and major public transportation route, is across the street from a grocery store, and within a 10-minute walk of an 87-acre park that hosts a weekly Farmer’s Market and a community health center. Esperanza used low income housing tax credits (LIHTC) to finance the bulk of the development. Given the financing timeline, Esperanza expects to begin construction on the project in December 2015. The units will be complete and ready for occupancy in December 2016.
MIXED-USE STUDENT HOUSING + DINING COMPLEX
Morgan Hall Temple University Philadelphia, PA 3 Buildings + Terrace Area 364 units total 300,000 GSF 27-story tower 300,000 GSF 10-story mid-rise 56,000 GSF 3-Story Dining Building 45,000 GSF terrace (plus garage / loading below) 1,285 beds, primarily in 4-bed, 1,000 SF suites
PZS Architects is part of the project team who designed Temple University’s newest residential and dining comple which is comprised of 1,285 student beds organized in several suite configurations. Both the Tower and Midrise lobbies are entered from an elevated Terrace that was constructed over a plaza deck above a parking/service level situated at and below street level. The primary goal of this facility was to house students, but just as important, the University wanted to provide a better sense of community for the students. The facility is one of the largest student residential complexes in the city, and has added to the Philadelphia skyline, while providing a sense of community to the students at Temple University. PZSARCHITECTS.COM
MIXED-USE STUDENT HOUSING + DINING COMPLEX
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Good Food Flats Philadelphia, PA Good Food Flats, a 44-unit, 175-bed complex at 4030 Baring Street, will be marketed to students participating in Drexel’s Hospitality and Sports Management (HSM) program, and featuring a pop-up restaurant/entrepreneur incubator space, a food lab with a commercial kitchen and even dedicated urban garden spaces on the roof and backyard where students can grow their own fruits and veggies. In addition to the tricked-out food spaces, Good Food Flats will invite chefs to come to the commercial kitchen space to teach residents about the ins and outs of the craft and the business. “Take Garces and Vetri and Nick Bayer of Saxby’s,” explained Michals, “if you put them in the wayback machine when they were going to school, this would have been the place where they would love to learn and live.” The project will be built offsite using modular construction.
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RESIDENTIAL STUDENT HOUSING
Villiger Hall at St. Joseph’s University Philadelphia, PA Completed in 2012 New student residence hall 116,000 SF // $26.5 million 415 student beds
This student residence hall was designed to maximize student interation, containing 116,500 SF, it provides 415 student beds. The facility includes study lounges, social lounges, laundry, kitchen and fitness center. The buildings massing and stone exterior keep in line with the traditional feel of the campus. The building is sited to respect the adjacent chapel and form an open space for student activities. The design combines a granite base and limestone base with a field of coursed ashlar stone blend. Limestone was used at the building’s entrance and to clad the study towers at each end of the building. Limestone bands surrounds the windows, and were also used to break down the 6-story mass of the building. Each floor includes lounges and study areas and common bathroom areas. Positioned at the corner of Cardinal and City Avenues, Villiger Hall serves as the southern gateway to the campus.
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Montgomery County Community College Residence Hall Pottstown, PA PZS was engaged to work on a design for a new student residence hall for Montgomery County Community College's Pottstown Campus. Working with Cross Properties as the developer for the project, PZS created preliminary drawings for the building that included suite-style units with kitchens and common living space, a game room, lounge, inviting lobby, and ground-level parking. In addition, multiple sites were explored. The project is currently on hold.
PZS ARCHITECTS 5312 Ridge Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19128 ph. 215 483.1915 pzsarchitects.com