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.
PZSA RCHITECTS.COM
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.
P ZSARCHITE CTS.COM
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.
MIXED -USE: RESIDENCE + RESTAURANT The Ayer Building houses two restaurants at the street level. Talula’s Garden and Talula’s Daily - both of which are visible from Washington Square.
2501 Washington Mixed-use Development Philadelphia, PA 2501 Washington is a proposed, mixed-use residential development located at 2501 Washington Avenue and 2557-69 Grays Ferry Avenue. The proposed 5-story mixed-use building will include the following: Approximately 11,000 SF of ground floor retail space along Washington Avenue and 25th Street; 64 residential units on Floors 2 through 5; Open parking area for 27 vehicles; and a large shared terrace for residents. The project also includes a proposed single-family residential component, which includes the following: 17 single family townhouses, Two duplex residential units and interior green space. The project was designed to enhance the overall walkability of the neighborhood, walking widths are maintained along all street frontages, and visibility will be high. We believe the pedestrian use will increase, which in turn will create a safer condition along the sidewalks. We’ve engaged community members (the South of South Street Neighborhood Association) in a productive dialogue throughout the course of designing the project, and have discussed in issues that are important to the neighborhood. Our design evolved to address community feedback and concerns. Overall, the height and density were reduced, while maintaining the integrity and scale of the terrace and green space.
PROJECT DETAILS Client: Hightop Real Estate + Development Project Name: 2501 Washington Location: Philadelphia, PA Size: 130,000 SF Cost: $73 million Project start: Approx. Q1 2017 PROJECT CONTACT David Landskroner Founder & Principal Hightop Real Estate + Development 1845 Walnut Street, Suite 1500 Philadelphia, PA 19103 (p) 215-246-0606 (c) 516-313-2636 (e) david@hightopdevelopment.com
NEW CONSTRUCTION MIXED-USE
PZSARCHITECTS.COM
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.
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.
PZSARCHITECTS.COM
RESIDENTIAL ADAPTIVE REUSE + RENOVATION
1712-28 N 2nd Street Philadelphia, PA PZS Architects is currently working toward approval from the CDR on a new residential development fronting both N. 2nd St and N. Philip St between Cecil B. Moore Avenue and Montgomery Avenue. The proposed 5-story multi-family building will include 40 residential units, parking, and a small shared roof deck for residents. The project also includes a proposed duplex residential component, which will include 7 duplex residential units, for a total of 14 residential units with private parking garages for each.
Proposed Ground Floor / Site Plan
46th & Spruce Street : Mixed-use Development Philadelphia, PA 46th and Spruce is a new construction mixed-use project featuring ground floor retail, second floor office space and third and fourth floor residences. There will also be a roof deck for tenant use, as well as a basement which will include mechanical and electrical spaces as well as a bicycle room and general storage. The residential units will consist of one bedroom and two bedroom units, the floor plate for which will be consistent on floors 3 and 4. PZS presented to, and gained the approval of the Spruce Hill Civic Association, the Registered Community Organization for the project.
PROJECT CONTACT David Landskroner Founder & Principal Hightop Real Estate + Development 1845 Walnut Street, Suite 1500 Philadelphia, PA 19103 (p) 215-246-0606 (c) 516-313-2636 (e) david@hightopdevelopment.com
NEW CONSTRUCTION MIXED-USE
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
PZSARCHITECTS.COM
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.
PZSARCHITECTS.COM
Frankford House Philadelphia, PA PZS provided conceptual design services for a mixed-use facility that may include a tenant space for a clinic or social services agency, with residential (40 to 60 units) for seniors on the floors above. The project is currently under review of the RCO and funding is being raised.
Typical Residential Floor (2-5)
Ground Floor Plan
Sugar Estates Senior Living St. Thomas, USVI • • • •
•
• •
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
Asociaciรณn Puertorriquenos en Marcha (APM) Philadelphia, PA PZS recently participated in a charrette for a 1.8-acre, Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority-owned parcel of vacant land encompassing almost the entire block between 8th Street, Berks Street, Franklin Street, and Montgomery Avenue. The site, once home to scores of rowhouses, can serve as a transition between areas of the neighborhood that differ in density, land use, and audience. One desired outcome of the project would be to enable different generations of the same family to live close to one another on the same site with housing suited to the needs of each, such as townhouses and apartments. Retail and on-site parking will also be a part of the design.
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
5312 Ridge Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19128 ph. 215 483.1915
ARCHITECTURE PLANNI NG INTERIORS DES I GN-BUI LD
pzsarch itects .com