HEALTH CENTER #9
CLIENT
Schade and Bolender Architects

LOCATION
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

STRUCTURE
Health Center #9, located at 131 Chelten Avenue in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, is a fine example of a mid-century modern building and was designed by the well respected Philadelphia architect, Ehrman B. Mitchell, Jr.. The building has been in use since its construction as a health clinic. Our involvement with our client and the City of Philadelphia began in 2005.

CHALLENGE
We were retained by Schade and Bolender Architects for the purpose of investigating and participating in the building’s renovations. The scope of our work is two-fold: to provide (1) improvements to the second floor windows and (2) structural engineering services to enclose the centrally located courtyard on the first floor.

SCOPE OF SERVICE
  • Investigated and assessed the existing windows on the second floor.
  • Provided a written report detailing existing conditions and outlined options for repairs to the window fenestration.
  • Designed a structural steel rigid framing system to enclose the courtyard on the first floor.
  • Provided construction documents and specifications for structural components.
SOLUTION
  • The second floor window work required a careful assessment of the existing conditions, and an analysis of the typical configurations. 
  • The building enclosure was accomplished using steel framing members and concealed with clerestory windows.