Cardinal Bevilacqua Community Center

Kensington, Philadelphia, PA

This multi-phase redevelopment project sets the precedent in an initiative to help revitalize the neighboring community. The Cardinal Bevilacqua Community Center is an adaptive reuse of the former Starlight Ballroom, converted to a neighborhood recreation center with a full-size gymnasium. A mezzanine was constructed to increase the spectator viewing area for both community and athletic function. A 9,000 S.F. addition was designed and built, incorporating six multi-purpose rooms, nine offices, and public toilet rooms. This new multi-purpose center also provides essential space for use by the adjacent visitation school, whose services include evening adult education classrooms, day care, a "play zone" for indoor recess, and a home court for the Catholic Youth Organization basketball team.