Philadelphia Public Services Building

Adaptive Re-use of Historic Building

Philadelphia is relocating their Police Department Headquarters, Police Districts 6 and 9, Medical Examiner’s Office, and 911 Call Center to the Philadelphia Inquirer Building in the Callowhill neighborhood. The new program includes a police detention center, police and fire 911 call center, medical examiner forensics lab and morgue, and department offices. Philadelphia's initiative to bringing these departments together under one roof will improve procedures and services to the community and promote the city's mission of being the safest, most sustainable, and most efficient in the country.

USA Architects worked from plans and studies previously developed by Philadelphia. USA’s first task was to update the program to reflect the latest requirements of the departments, and create an as-build model of the existing structure. USA completed design plans and developed documentation for submission to the State Historic Preservation Office required for this National Register landmark.

Preservation design highlights include retaining double height interior spaces, restoration of the lobby, bronze storefront windows, original light fixtures, tower façade, clock tower and bells, and cupola.

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