Breanna Sheeler

The former Penn Reduction Company at 4900 - 5001 Botanic Avenue was a dense, industrial site on the Schuylkill River. Today, three of the thirteen original buildings on site are extant. The Adaptive Reuse Thesis Studio was tasked with proposing a master plan to revitalize the site as a community center in partnership with nearby Bartram's Garden.

 

Guided by the three philosophies of history, sustainability, and community, the new 5000 Botanic Avenue Beautification and Enrichment Strategy focuses on public access to the new center, linking numerous proposals of a greater Schuylkill trail system, and the cleaning and enjoyment of the Schuylkill River itself.

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An additional challenge of the project was the site's floodplain condition which, during the worst case 1% storm, flood the entire site in 4.5ft of water. Several strategies were implemented in each of the three buildings and site design to mediate the consequences.

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While the site is different in zoning and program than the rest of its neighborhood, it is still part of the vernacular architectural fabric. Most of the buildings were given to the community with accessible fellowship and education programming and flexible spaces that can suit their changing needs. The site’s programming focused on arts, culture, health and wellness, and education. 5000 Botanic Ave seeks to start the conversation with residents about sustainability and environmental stewardship by reconnecting people to the river and transforming a municipal site to a civic site.