Simpson House Main Building and Entrance

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Simpson House, the oldest Methodist Home in the country, is a complex of four buildings, the earliest of which was built in 1898. This project involved a four phase renovation of the three oldest buildings, primarily the main four-story Victorian Gothic residential facility, circa 1898. Formidable front steps were removed and a new ground level covered main entrance was created by excavating underneath the former entrance terrace. The new lobby leads straight ahead to the administrative offices and to social and activities areas and elevators on either side. The removal of a beautiful but unnegotiable stairway allowed for the creation of a lounge for residents in the independent living units. Upon removal of the existing suspended ceiling in the library, the original stained glass ceiling was uncovered and retained in the new space. Some of the stained glass panels from the stairway landings were incorporated into light boxes and placed in hallway nodes for help in "way-finding".

The site design also incorporates a variety of walking paths including a half-mile trail, sitting areas, a sculpture garden, and concert and activities spaces, plus additional parking.