— Philadelphia Experience
Solomon Cordwell Buenz
Design for a changing world. Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB) is an architecture, interior design, and planning firm with a thoughtful design vision and a dynamic national imprint. Since 1931, SCB has made a lasting visual impact on skylines, campuses, and neighborhoods nationwide. From offices in Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, and Seattle we offer our expertise to clients across the country, helping them achieve their goals, serve their constituents, and create unique built environments. Our approach is to ask questions, listen, and develop the best design solution for each individual project. We are future-oriented, continually challenging ourselves to design to a higher standard, innovate at every level, and give our clients more as we achieve design excellence.
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The Laurel The Laurel is a 583,000-square-foot mixed-use residential tower located on Philadelphia’s iconic Rittenhouse Square. The building features 66 condominium units, 184 luxury apartments, and 44,000 square feet of ground-floor retail fronting Walnut, Sansom, and 20th streets. Located on the last undeveloped parcel on Rittenhouse Square, SCB’s design for The Laurel responds to its historic and urban surroundings. The stone-clad entry pavilion respects the historic street wall through its contextual materiality and rhythmic articulation, while the 48-story stepped glass and metal panel tower provides a modern complement to the pre-war architecture of the area. The building is crowned with a glass-encased structural frame that will be illuminated in the evening. The Laurel sets a new standard for urban luxury living in Philadelphia. The mixed-use nature of the project required the design team to develop two unique amenity programs, one for the condo owners and one for the residents of the apartments. The condo amenity deck is located on the 26th floor and was designed to be a peaceful retreat from the city below. Amenity offerings are focused on wellness and include an indoor pool, fitness and yoga studios, and a lounge with terrace overlooking Rittenhouse Square. A bespoke amenity program for apartment residents on the third floor seeks to engage with the spirit and energy of the city. The floor features an outdoor pool and landscaped deck, fitness club, game room with demonstration kitchen/bar, as well as a library and music room. Type
Mixed-Use: Residential, Retail
Size
583,000 SF / 48 Stories / 184 Apartments / 66 Condominiums
Client
Southern Land Company
Philadelphia Experience
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2301 JFK Boulevard 2301 JFK Boulevard is a mixed-use development that will serve as a gateway to Center City from the 30th Street Station. Located on a narrow, idiosyncratic site along the Schuylkill River, the building is sited to align with the elevated Septa Train Lines on the north. The tower pulls away from neighboring JFK Boulevard to create a distinct office podium, while the project’s soft and curving form and material accents take inspiration from the area’s railyards and emphasize a sense of movement. 2301 JFK provides 17,000 square feet of commercial office space and 282 apartment units within its single 22-story tower. The lower level provides parking and a bike room, safely situated under bustling JFK Boulevard, while the ground floor at street level houses a shared residential and office lobby, as well as single-tenant office space. The boutique office program features a spiral monumental stair connecting the two stories of open plan workspace. A shared fitness center for tenants and residents is also located on the second floor. A private terrace and patio area on both levels provide the office with outdoor space overlooking the riverfront. Rising above, the modern and efficient residential units are designed to appeal to young professionals, while the amenity program is focused on wellness and community building. A private rooftop terrace and pool deck boast expansive panoramic river views of the Schuylkill River and downtown Philadelphia.
Type
Mixed-Use: Residential, Office
Size
294,000 SF / 22 Stories / 17,000 SF Office / 282 Apartments
Client
PMC Development
Philadelphia Experience
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33 N. 22nd Street 33 N. 22nd Street is a 29-story, multifamily residential project that is a tale of two scales: the high-rises of Philadelphia’s Center City and the pedestrian-friendly character of Logan Square. Fronting JFK Boulevard, a prominent city arterial, the tower’s serrated form stands geometrically distinct amongst its neighbors, while masonry accents at the base integrate it into the streetscape. Bay windows in the residences are shifted as they ascend the tower, adding a dynamism to the building’s form and inviting residents to enjoy views of Logan Square and University City. At the base of 33 N. 22nd Street, split street elevations offer two lobby levels: the JFK Boulevard entrance, located next to bustling street traffic and on a bridge embankment, offers a convenient entry, while a ceremonial entrance and lobby on 22nd Street creates an arrival destination and neighborhood connector to adjacent Market Street. A new walkway along the north side of former Commerce Street continues one of the project’s central tenets, creating a safe and active pedestrian environment. 33 N. 22nd Street brings 341 apartment units and 247 parking spaces to Center City. Building frontage at sidewalk level along JFK Boulevard is designed to accommodate active use for residential amenities, with spaces designed as retail-ready for possible future conversion. A private residential amenity deck on the 7th floor will offer a social lounge, with access to a 6,800-square-foot sun deck above the parking podium.
Type
Multifamily Residential
Size
471,000 SF / 29 Stories / 341 Apartments
Client
PMC Development
Philadelphia Experience
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Philadelphia Experience
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23rd & Cherry Influenced by Philadelphia’s historic row houses, 23rd & Cherry seeks to integrate itself into the Logan Square neighborhood with a quiet and rhythmic architectural language. A welcoming, setback corner creates a distinct main entry to the residential building that calls to mind the urban architectural tradition of “stoops,” inviting impromptu interaction between residents and neighbors alike. A sleek glass façade encapsulates residential units above the entryway, creating a signature design element and modern anchor at the corner. 23rd & Cherry continues the row house vernacular on a smaller scale with smooth lines and minimal ornament across the street-facing façades. Copper-colored accent panels pay homage to the traditional shutter, while rich paneling allows for texture and appropriate neighborhood scale. The 23rd Street façade is augmented with a porcelain-tiled base. Outdoor amenities for the project’s 115 units include private, inset balconies that connect to and activate the streetscape, terraces for top-floor units, and a roof deck.
Type
Multifamily Residential
Size
130,000 SF / 4 Stories / 115 Apartments
Client
PMC Development
Philadelphia Experience
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One Cathedral Square Located on a prominent site next to Philadelphia’s historic Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, One Cathedral Square is a 23-story, 265,000-square-foot residential tower. The tower’s location inspired the design’s quiet and light architectural expression; a response that does not detract from the Cathedral, but instead enhances the iconic domed structure. Through this responsive form, the tower shifts away from neighboring buildings, while its simple, reflective glass façade visually opens the backdrop for the Cathedral from Logan Square. On the street level, a landscaped courtyard is nestled between the tower’s retail base and the Cathedral, creating a more private, contemplative outdoor public space to complement the larger, open Logan Square. SCB is the architect and interior designer for the 273-unit project, which offers a range from studios to two-bedroom apartments. Light finishes and refined materials are used throughout One Cathedral Square, serving as a neutral backdrop for a curated art program. The lobby features a co-working lounge with multi-purpose room and coffee bar, while additional amenities on the twenty-third floor consist of a club room with communal kitchen; fitness center and yoga studio; and a rooftop terrace with views to Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia’s main boulevard for arts and culture. Type
Residential
Size
253,000 SF / 23 Stories / 273 Apartments
Client
Exeter Property Group
Philadelphia Experience
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1620 Sansom A 27-story mixed-use tower, 1620 Sansom brings premium residential, retail, and event space to Center City, one of the densest urban neighborhoods in the country. Adjacent to Philadelphia’s Liberty Tower, its design incorporates the modern glass of the central business district, while metal panel and brick at the base provide a contemporary nod to the pre-war brick of neighboring Rittenhouse Square. 1620 Sansom promotes a vibrant streetscape with 5,000 square feet of ground floor commercial retail space and a 20,000-square-foot restaurant on the second floor. The building is deliberately set back an additional five feet from the property line to widen the sidewalk along narrow, one-way Sansom Street to allow for outdoor dining and pedestrian engagement. The 320-foot tower is chamfered to allow sunlight to reach Sansom Street and to orient views to downtown and the Schuylkill River. The tower offers 254 units, including multiple luxury penthouses with private terraces. Its glass façade meets the street at a double-height entry lobby, visually highlighting the residential entrance. Finishings of light marble with golden accents enhance the warm and luxe concept for the overall interior design. Darker, patterned finishes set the tone for the club lounge on the third floor. Residential amenities include a 12,000-square-foot rooftop garden terrace and sky lounge with expansive views; other amenities include a fitness center with outdoor pool, and community dining and entertainment rooms. Type
Mixed-Use: Residential, Retail, Event Space
Size
379,000 SF / 27 Stories / 254 Apartments
Client
Southern Land Company
Philadelphia Experience
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1735 Market SCB was engaged to reimagine the entry and lobby experience for 1735 Market, a 54-story office tower in downtown Philadelphia. As the first phase of a major repositioning strategy for the building, the design approach focused on creating a more significant presence for the main entrance to the building. A new illuminated glass canopy denotes the entry amid the street wall. By enclosing a former open-air vestibule with floor-to-ceiling glass and installing a bold, sculptural light installation to draw attention indoors, the new entry is more recognizable and welcoming to visitors and tenants alike. The light installation mimics the tower’s iconic pyramidal form on the skyline. A material palette of granite walls, terrazzo flooring, and stainless steel accents visually connects the new enclosed vestibule to the existing lobby. Within the lobby, new lounge furniture with curved forms softens the linear and geometric nature of the interior space, while a new front desk provides a secure entry point to the two tenant elevator banks. Type
Office - Lobby Repositioning
Size
5,000 SF
Client
Silverstein Properties
Philadelphia Experience
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Spring Garden Spring Garden is a 12-story mixed-use residential building that establishes a strong presence in Philadelphia’s burgeoning Northern Liberties neighborhood through an enhanced pedestrian, retail, and living experience. While presenting a contemporary design to the changing neighborhood, the building takes inspiration from the area’s industrial heritage. Articulated windows and masonry brick reveals are framed by dark metal detailing along the façade, with an emphasis on uniformity of materials and native landscaping, further weaving Spring Garden into its urban context. The building brings 14,000 square feet of active retail space to the area, with a generous setback to maximize pedestrian engagement. The focal point of the project is the corner of 5th and Spring Garden streets, which is carved out to provide an opportunity for outdoor cafe seating. To highlight the residential entry, vision glass flows unobstructed from the roof to the street between the brick masonry panels of the north-facing façade. Above, a city-facing residential terrace connects to a lounge space. Nestled within the building’s modified u-shaped massing on the second floor is an expansive 17,000-square-foot outdoor amenity deck for residents,which includes a pool, lounge areas, and grilling stations. Indoors, a consolidated amenity space offers a resident lounge with a co-working space, a catering kitchen, and a fitness center that opens onto its own terrace. The interior design for the project draws from raw elements mixed with upscale materials to create an industrial, yet hospitality feel. Wood finishes, warm stone tile, and bronze accents create a boutique hospitality feel with industrial-reminiscent detailing for a memorable residential experience. Antique patterns give a nod to the past while retaining a modern quality. At the top two floors, glass and darker metal elements crown the building, while a 7,000-square-foot rooftop deck for Spring Garden residents offers expansive views to downtown Philadelphia. Type
Mixed-Use: Residential, Retail
Size
342,000 SF / 329 Units
Client
Southern Land Company
Philadelphia Experience
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Philadelphia Experience
Bentley Hall + Pennoni Honors College Originally constructed in 1969, Bentley Hall at Drexel University typified a common challenge faced by many universities: a large, in this case 406-bed, residence hall that was outdated and no longer serving the needs of students. SCB was selected as the architect and interior designer for a full renovation of the existing Bentley Hall and an 11,000-square-foot academic addition to serve as the new home for the Pennoni Honors College. Renovations of the original Bentley Hall included a full building systems update and complete remodeling of the student residential units and bathrooms. Lounges adjacent to the elevators were added to each floor and alternate between social and study uses to help build a sense of community amongst residents. The ground floor was reimagined and connects seamlessly to the addition, which houses three seminar rooms, quiet study space, and a “living room” for the honors college. This rich, programmatic mix provides abundant options for students and faculty to gather. The interior design for the space takes cues from the original mid-century vintage of Bentley Hall including exposed brick walls, modern furniture, and lighting inspired by the era. The new addition provides the Honors College with a new identity and is differentiated from the larger Bentley Hall through a modern stone and glass architectural expression. A front porch extending the length of the addition enlivens the Arch Street façade with outdoor seating and an unobstructed visual connection to the interior spaces. The second floor houses a suite of offices for faculty and Honors College staff, organized around a central shared lounge. Type
Mixed-Use: Higher Education - Student Residential, Academics, Offices
Size
105,000 SF / 11,000 SF Academics / 406 Beds
Client
Drexel University and American Campus Communities
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The Summit at University City Developed in partnership with Drexel University and American Campus Communities (ACC), this 1,315-bed, 24-story tower blends the principles of high-rise design with the unique needs of student residents. SCB drew from the firm’s extensive experience in the high-rise residential market to design efficient floor plans that maximize views to the city and campus and incorporate a variety of 2–4-bedroom apartment and suite style units. The building responds to the character of the adjacent Powelton Village neighborhood with a low-rise retail storefront base that enhances the pedestrian experience on Lancaster Avenue, while rising to a tower in relation to the higher density University City towards campus. The design team sought to activate the ground level of the building, emphasizing community spaces including a lobby lounge connected to a Starbucks, recreation and fitness center, theatre, and group study rooms. As an addition to both the university campus and the greater University City neighborhood, Drexel University and ACC recognized that the building should provide amenities to students and members of the broader community alike. To address this need, the building offers Urban Eatery, a full-service dining facility that is open to the public. Urban Eatery features a variety of dining options, including numerous themed eateries and a late-night grab and go café. With its iconic dining pavilion and an engaging entry plaza, The Summit is a new hub of student life within University City. Type
Mixed-Use: Higher Education - Student Residential, Dining, Retail
Size
585,000 SF / 24 Stories / 1,315 Beds
Client
Drexel University and American Campus Communities
Philadelphia Experience
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Philadelphia Experience
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Urban Eatery Urban Eatery is a full-service dining facility located within The Summit at University City, a mixed-use student residential tower and retail center at Drexel University. The design team was challenged by Drexel University to create a new model for an urban university dining hall, one that would bridge town and gown by serving students and residents of the surrounding Powelton Village neighborhood. The design for the 12,000-square-foot, 400-seat Urban Eatery was inspired by the tradition of a city market: a lively urban center where food and people intermix. Urban Eatery features six unique dining platforms: international street fare, a grill, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, a NY-style deli, a locally sourced salad/smoothie bar, and a grab and go café. Seating areas are dispersed throughout the space, each designed to support a variety of gatherings – from friends grabbing a coffee, to a small group study session. The centerpiece of Urban Eatery is an iconic, transparent glass pavilion, activating the street frontage and blurring the line between the University and the neighborhood. The palette, interior finishes, and furniture for Urban Eatery reflect a contemporary urban sophistication with a modern fritted glass pattern, natural steel staircase, warm wood ceilings, and modern furniture. The design deliberately avoids the use of the University’s brand, further defining the space as a shared community facility, not just for Drexel students but for the neighborhood as a whole. Type
Higher Education - Dining Facility
Size
12,000 SF
Client
Drexel University, American Campus Communities, and SodexoMagic
Philadelphia Experience
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