Skip to main content
Start of main content

The Lits Building – Public Improvements

A facelift for a historic Philly landmark

  • 10

    Components

  • $10M

    Public Improvements

  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

An obligation to the city leads to improvements that benefit everyone

Built between 1859 and 1907 to house the Lit Brothers Department Store, the Lits Building has been an important part of Philadelphia for more than a century. The public improvements program is the latest in a more than 25-year relationship our company has had with The Brickstone Companies, managers of the building.

Brickstone had us develop conceptual renderings and budgets for several options the City Planning Commission to review and approve. We collaborated with Brickstone to develop projects for façade lighting, escalator widening, upgrades to all public restrooms, streetscape improvements, and an entrance canopy on Market Street to support digital art videos.

The façade lighting highlights cast-iron window openings, and a creamy-white, base-lighting scheme ties the historic fabric together in combination with a grid of arched alcoves. But, during holidays, promotions, or current events, the whole thing can also come alive with automated patterns and colors. The entrance canopy marquee attracts people both night and day with its high-resolution LED screens, and initial video offerings will include mid-summer night dream fantasies, local landmarks, and culture in kaleidoscope.

From a small millinery shop to a commercial and retail space, this city-block encompassing structure is no stranger to change. With this public improvements program, the Lits Building ties into an overall revitalization of the downtown area.

Meet Our Team

Thomas Berenbrok, Senior Landscape Architect

Responsiveness and creativity result in better designs and smoother construction for my clients—I aim to exceed their expectations.

Chesenia Burgos, Associate, Interior Design

As a designer, I encourage all staff to voice questions and opinions. It reinforces understanding, while strengthening the overall team.

Jennie Hydro, Associate

Inspiration and innovation in design are the keys that unlock the potential in every project.

Omar Rosa, Senior Associate

No matter where I’m working, I strive to be at the forefront of good design in urban areas.

Thomas Berenbrok

Senior Landscape Architect

Chesenia Burgos

Associate, Interior Design

Jennie Hydro

Associate

Omar Rosa

Senior Associate

We’re better together

  • Become a client

    Partner with us today to change how tomorrow looks. You’re exactly what’s needed to help us make it happen in your community.

  • Design your career

    Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.

End of main content
To top