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. David is known to the office 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 philosophy. He quietly and efficiently encourages the office and its projects 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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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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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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ACADEMIC K-12 // HIGHER EDUCATION
The Trujillo Center
Pan American Academy Charter School + Harcum College Satellite Campus
Philadelphia, PA Completed in 2012 60,000 SF $13 million
The Trujillo Center is a dual purpose facility, home to the Pan American Academy Charter School and the North Philadelphia location of Harcum College Congreso de Latinos Unidos. Harcum College launched their accelerated associate’s degree program in 2005 with one concentration: Leadership studies. Since then, Harcum has added additional majors and satelite campuses throughout the region. Harcum has partnered with Congreso de Latinos Unidos, a nationally recognized community based non-profit organization primarily serving eastern North Philadelphia neighborhoods. They have been providing human services for more than 30 years with a focus on education and employment.
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Esperanza Campus Expansion PHILADELPHIA, PA
PZS Architects worked with Esperanza designing the expansion of their campus. This project is complex in nature, and included intense coordination and phasing, involving the renovation of 27,000 SF of vacant warehouse space to expand Esperanza College. This project also included energy-saving design improvements to the roof, windows and HVAC system for the benefit of the entire 245,000 SF building. As a result of this work, Esperanza College was able to increase enrollment by approximately 30% and offer its students specialized science coursework and additional campus amenities. The renovations and energy efficient design modifications reduced energy utilization for the entire building by 45%. Esperanza College opened in 2000 as a branch campus of Eastern University. The campus is located in North Philadelphia’s Hunting Park neighborhood, an area categorized as being “severely distressed” by the New Markets Tax Credit criteria. This three-story facility also houses Esperanza’s headquarters, a workforce development program, a medical practice and Esperanza Academy Charter School, a middle school, which PZS designed and is currently under construction.
PROJECT DETAILS Client: Esperanza Project Name: Junior College Expansion + Middle School Master Plan + Complete design Relevancies: Phased, complex design and construction. Lab space included in program.
Frances E. Willard Elementary School Philadelphia, PA
Located in North Philadelphia, the Frances E. Willard School is a new construction elementary school serving 850 students in kindergarten through 4th grade. The project site was previously a contaminated brownfield. As part of the construction process, the site was fully remediated to meet federal, state and local standards. PZS Architects worked closely with the teachers and community representatives to develop the Frances E. Willard elementary school. The 2-story 100,000 square foot building accommodates 850 students from kindergarten through fourth grade. The facility includes 62 classrooms with special shared rooms for technical education, family life Management, computer lab, science lab, art studio, music studio, a gymnasium, a 350-seat auditorium and a cafeteria for 380 with a fully equipped commercial
kitchen, as well as support spaces and administrative offices. The Willard School achieved LEED Silver certification u nder the LEED for Schools version 2.0 Rating System. Special attention was given to the building’s acoustics so that teachers and students can communicate effectively. Students were trained to be sustainability tour guides and lead tours for visitors about what it means to be in a green school.
LEED SILVER CERTIFIED Awarded “Best of Schools” designation by Delaware Valley Green Building Council
Esperanza Middle School Philadelphia, PA
PZS Architects completed the master plan for their campus located at Fifth Street and Bristol Street. The 8-acre campus includes three former industrial buildings totaling 210,000 SF of space which houses their administrative offices; a technology based high school, and a junior college, and career center. PZS is currently working on the design of a 100,000 SF middle school which includes the development of a new 18,000 SF building for performing arts and physical
education, as well as additional parking facilities. The project will also modify site circulation patterns to accommodate vehicular and pedestrian access to the new facilities and to increase parking on site. PZS is also recently completed a 40,000 SF expansion of the Junior College that includes facilities to accommodate students from the sixth grade through junior college, and will also provide office space for social services agencies to serve the community.
The Salvation Army Ray + Joan Kroc Community Center Philadelphia, PA 130,000 SF $73 million 2010
CIVIC COMMUNITY CENTER
The Salvation Army Kroc Community Center is a 130,000 SF facility is situated on a 12.4-acre, former brownfield site in North Philadelphia. The facility features worship and performing arts center, a small chapel, community rooms, teen activities center and game room, aquatics center, sports training, recreation center and recording studio. The building was designed around a light-filled, curved civic space from which entrances to all major program facilities are accessed, including the fitness center, childcare center, and places for worship. Wrapped in south-facing glass, this 2-story grand hallway extends outdoors, connecting interior programs with the central green and campus.
MODERN FITNESS STUDIO The 13,100 square foot fitness center features two floors of fitness equipment and on-site trainers. Free weights, stretching areas, an indoor cycling studio and two adjacent exercise studios complement the abundance of cardio and circuit training equipment.
THE GYMNASIUM This lofty, sunlit room was designed as a dynamic space to host sports games and activities, as well as large assemblies, presentations and dinners. The gymnasium features a cushioned wood floor, 6 retractable basketball hoops, 2 volleyball nets, wall-mounted scoreboards, built-in spectator seating for 220 guests and a mesh room divider. Wood and acoustic wall panels, high-volume speakers, portable audio-visual equipment were designed to provide best response to multiple uses. This 7,600 SF gymnasium has a maximum capacity of 500 guests, and offers flexible furniture arrangements that can accommodate up to 400 guests for a dinner or presentation.
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VETERINARY SPECIALTY + EMERGENCY CENTER NEW CONSTRUCTION
VETERINARY SPECIALTY + EMERGENCY CENTER Levittown, PA
PZS Architects designed this 21,000 SF state-of-the-art animal healthcare facility, which provides 24-hour emergency medical and surgical services. The facility accommodates a staff of surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, emergency care doctors and an acupuncturist. The facility includes generous reception and waiting areas, workspaces and support space for 25 doctors and staff along with 12 exam rooms. The technical spaces include two surgical suites, a radiology room, a CT room, an MRI and Specialty Procedures room, a Linear Accelerator room and two laboratories with medical gasses as well as intensive care wards. The facility also features a large conference and presentation center for continuing education for veterinarians and technicians. VSEC provides advanced care in oncology, internal medicine, ophthalmology, cardiology, dermatology, critical care medicine, surgery, imaging and acupuncture. It offers radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats and is the first private veterinary specialty hospital in the Delaware Valley to offer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer in pets, previously only available at the University of Pennsylvania.
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VETERINARY SPECIALTY + EMERGENCY CENTER NEW CONSTRUCTION
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VETERINARY SPECIALTY + EMERGENCY CENTER NEW CONSTRUCTION
VETERINARY SPECIALTY + EMERGENCY CENTER II Satellite Office Located in Philadelphia, PA
PZS Architects designed this satellite facility to the Levittown hospital to support the same functions, in an urban area. The building area is approximately 6,700 SF; 5,200 SF on the first floor and 1,500 SF in the basement. The ground floor is used for exam rooms, reception/ waiting, and treatment areas etc. The basement has storage areas, and mechanical spaces. A second floor addition added and include a stair and elevator enclosure. The second floor structure will be designed to accommodate a future addition of approximately 1,050 SF and dog walking area. This hospital services include, Anesthesia and Pain Management; Surgery; Radioactive Iodine i-131; Radiation Oncology; Ophthalmology; Oncology; Neurology & Neurosurgery; Minimally Invasive Surgery; Internal Medicine; Holistic Medicine & Acupuncture; Emergency Medicine; Diagnostic Imaging; Dermatology & Allergy; Dentistry & Oral Surgery; Critical Care; Clinical Pathology and Cardiology.
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Eastern University Palmer Theological Seminary
Philadelphia, PA
PZS Architects is currently working with Eastern University to develop a new campus for the Palmer Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. PZS recently completed the conceptual designs for the renovation of two existing buildings connected by a new atrium addition creating one cohesive campus for the seminary students. In addition to the buildings, the site includes parking for 55 vehicles as well as outdoor gathering spaces. The 3-story building includes administrative offices for the Dean and Registrar, conference rooms, lobbies and classrooms. The design also features a Chapel, library and cafe spaces.
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
YMCA Freedom Valley Feasibility Study Marple Township, PA Conceptual design for developer marketing while purusing tenant.
MIXED-USE RETAIL + OFFICE SPACE
BREASTCANCER.ORG Ardmore, PA Completed in 2015 + Workplace modernization + Phased construction, occupied building
PZS Architects was engaged by US Realty, the building’s owner and manager to design the 5,550 SF space for the tenant, Breastcancer. org. The client was looking to create a flexible workplace to facilitate high levels of interpersonal communication for teams and project groups, and also maintain work environment that supports individual tasks. Our goal was to provide alternative work spaces for staff to accommodate varying work styles. To accomplish this, PZS designed the space to include collaborative workspaces, conference rooms constructed of full glass walls, and designed smaller conference rooms to serve as meeting space, breakout space and team tables. PZS planned support functions (such as storage, meeting spaces, etc.) as hubs to increase planning efficiency and encourage social interaction. We introduced in formal seating in the form of nodes to encourage informal interaction, networking, sharing and learning.
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PZS ARCHITECTS 5312 Ridge Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19128 ph. 215 483.1915 pzsarchitects.com