U.S. Custom House
Completed in 1934, the U.S. Custom House occupies an entire city block in Philadelphia’s Old City Historic District. This distinctive 17-story structure, blending a classical base with an Art Deco tower, was built to underscore Philadelphia’s importance as a major port and economic center. Today, many of the building’s systems—some dating back to the original construction—have reached the end of their lifespan. Plumbing failures have damaged significant historic finishes, and the mechanical systems no longer meet modern standards for environmental quality and control.
To preserve this historic landmark while meeting the needs of its federal tenants, Page designed a phased modernization that repairs and replaces outdated systems with a more efficient and modern design while the building remains occupied. Careful planning, complex phasing analysis, and strategically utilized internal swing spaces help minimize disruptions to tenants throughout the modernization effort.
Preserving a piece of history
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the U.S. Custom House was built during the Great Depression as part of the Works Progress Administration, a program that created jobs while improving federal facilities. Construction of this building employed 4,000 people for two years, helping to spur the local economy.
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