Philadelphia, PA
Vesper Property Group | Bohlin Cywinski Jackson | Photo by Wulff Architects
E.P. Guidi completed a comprehensive exterior and interior renovation of 1619 Walnut Street, a historic six-story, mixed-use office and retail building in the heart of Center City Philadelphia. The project followed a façade failure that required immediate action and ultimately led to a full transformation of the building envelope and street presence.
The scope included complete removal of the existing masonry façade and replacement with a modern system of curtain wall glazing, aluminum plate panels, and a two-story suspended structural-glass storefront at street level. A progressively perforated roof screen was added at the upper levels, while modern air barrier and waterproofing systems were carefully integrated with the building’s original Art Deco structure.
In addition to the exterior work, E.P. Guidi completed major interior renovations, including the infill construction of a new 6,000 SF steel deck and cast-in-place concrete floor that created a new sixth level within a previously open studio volume. The project also introduced a new two-story retail atrium along Walnut Street and an exterior balcony overlooking the sidewalk below.
All work was executed while the building was occupied and Walnut Street stayed open to heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Detailed preconstruction planning, phased sequencing, mast-climbing scaffolding, and just-in-time material delivery were critical to maintaining safety, access, and schedule in one of Philadelphia’s busiest retail corridors.
The completed renovation has repositioned 1619 Walnut Street as a contemporary commercial destination while preserving key historic elements within the building’s lobby and entrance vestibule.
