National Trust for Historic Preservation recognizes Lubert-Adler’s Battery project for excellence in historic preservation efforts.

Lubert-Adler’s innovative redevelopment of a once-dilapidated power station into a dynamic mixed-use complex known as The Battery has garnered the prestigious Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This accolade, announced recently, is a testament to excellence in preservation efforts nationwide and marks The Battery as the inaugural project in Philadelphia to receive such an honor.

A panel of expert jurors recognized The Battery for its transformative approach in repurposing a long-closed PECO plant into a vibrant space that encompasses apartments, offices, hotel accommodations, and recreational facilities. The project’s impressive scale and adaptability were pivotal in its selection for the award, which celebrates endeavors that effectively contribute to community revitalization and economic stimulation.

Catherine Killough, managing grants and awards for the National Trust, emphasized the project’s significance, highlighting its impact on environmental rejuvenation and community service. Once a site associated with pollution, The Battery now stands as a model of adaptive reuse, catering to a diverse array of community needs.

Local architecture firm Strada Architecture played a central role in the design and execution of The Battery project. Principal Christopher Kenney accepted the award during the National Trust’s PastForward conference in Milwaukee. The ambitious undertaking had previously received local acclaim from various outlets, further validating its innovative design and community importance.

Strada’s architectural vision transformed a stunning Beaux-Arts structure into contemporary living spaces, with residential apartments ingeniously integrated into what were originally coal storage bins and boiler houses. With 130 apartments currently 98% leased, the site also features a 62-room hotel operated by Rivers Casino, an additional 45-room hotel, office spaces, and an events venue.

The redevelopment, which began in 2018 amidst a landscape scarred by graffiti, reflects a broader commitment to sustainable urban development. The project’s design took inspiration from notable power plant transformations, such as London’s iconic Battersea Power Station, showcasing how historic structures can be revitalized for modern use.

According to Kenney, Historic Preservation Tax Credits were instrumental in realizing The Battery, which involved an overall investment nearing 4 million. This economic support facilitated the adaptive reuse of a building that had stood unused since 2008, preserving its architectural beauty while breathing new life into the surrounding community.

The original power station, constructed in 1917, represented a time when electricity began to become widely accessible. Its original architect, John T. Windrim, known for creating monumental structures, designed the plant to exemplify civic pride and progress in providing essential services.

Today, The Battery features 544,000 square feet of usable space, the result of thoughtful design that retained historical integrity while accommodating modern amenities. Kenney recounted the initial condition of the structure, noting the extensive challenges of transforming a dark, decaying site that once hosted fish in its turbine hall into a thriving and functional community resource.

The successful redevelopment of The Battery illustrates not only the potential for innovative architectural solutions but also serves as an inspiring example of how historical preservation can harmoniously coexist with contemporary urban development, benefiting both residents and the broader community alike.

This transformative project represents a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to revitalize Philadelphia’s industrial history while fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for its inhabitants.