The Harman Group (THG), a firm specializing in structural engineering and parking planning and design, is pleased to announce the grand opening and ribbon cutting of The National, a 220,000 square foot, 192-unit mixed use apartment building located in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood, adjacent to Elfreth’s Alley, a historic landmark and one of the most heavily foot-trafficked sites in Philadelphia.
The Harman Group provided structural engineering services for the six story project, which was developed by The Buccini/Pollin Group, Inc in partnership with AFL-CIO Building Investment Trust and designed by architect BartonPartners. The structural system designed by The Harman Group used structural steel for the first floor and parking garage, supporting cold-formed bearing walls and wood trusses for the upper five floors. The Harman Group also provided parking planning consultation to the architect.
The National features 4,000 square feet of retail and amenity spaces on the first floor, sweeping views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Delaware River and a two-level underground parking garage with space for 60 cars. At the northwest corner of the site, the former parking lot has been transformed into a public park for residents and visitors to Elfreth’s Alley.
The former National Products Company site has a deep history in Philadelphia and is recognized by the Philadelphia Historic Commission for its iconic orange tile façade, which was remarkably replicated in the new facade on the North 2nd Street elevation. The new building pays homage to the site’s former occupant by including the original stainless-steel sign from the restaurant supply building.
“We are honored to be a part of the team who brought this historic location back to life,” said Jason Squitiere, Associate and Project Manager at The Harman Group. “The Harman Group’s extensive mixed use and historic renovation experience allowed us to determine the best structural systems for the building’s different uses, so we could optimize the amenity, retail, and residential spaces for Old City.”
About The Harman Group
Founded in 1984, The Harman Group, Inc. provides structural engineering, parking planning and design and construction engineering services. The Harman Group has the unique ability to provide outstanding engineering solutions, using state of the art computational methods, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other technology, combined with high-level, personal customer service. For more information, please visit www.harmangroup.com.
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