1008 Upper Gulph Road
Wayne, Pennsylvania
Opportunity
The building was originally built a school house in the 1800’s until it was bought by an insulation manufacturing and installation company in the 1960’s. The property was sold to a furniture restoration company in 1994. Over the years the building was not maintained had fallen into a state of severe disrepair and became functionally inefficient in today’s modern manufacturing environment. While others saw an abandoned dilapidated eyesore SRI saw an architecturally unique redevelopment located in the heart of Philadelphia’s prestigious “Main Line”
Resolution
SRI worked closely with the local civic community and municipality to create an architecturally dynamic restoration. Located within a predominately residential neighborhood, 1008 Upper Gulph has a very commanding presence. Further, the views from within the building are extremely unique offering breathtaking views of the St David’s Golf Course as well as dramatic views of Valley Forge Military Academy.
• 1008 offers architecturally diverse office space with dramatic combinations of
exposed stone walls, brick columns and exposed brick walls, and truly
breathtaking 25 foot high ceilings on the third floor with dramatic large wood
trusses.
• The building was reduced to shell condition prior to being totally improved
with a state of the art brand new mechanical system, new roof, all new
electrical and plumbing, sprinklered throughout as well as the latest in life
safety and alarm systems.
• Building is located adjacent to a public 3-acre park that provides occupants
of the building with access to picnic tables, basketball courts, baseball field
and walking areas.
Benefit
SRI was able to restore an architectural gem to its almost original 1800’s form through an in depth restoration and the building houses the headquarters of four local companies. The local community benefited since SRI was able to allow residents to connect to the adjacent park and church through a new walking trail and sidewalk. The building was reassessed as an office building and the township & county’s tax base grew as a result of the reassessment.