We are very happy to announce that Schade and Bolender Architects LLP been selected by the Philadelphia City Planning Commission and the Office of Housing & Community Development to create the Philadelphia Row House Manual. Our team for this project includes James S. Russell, architectural writer, and Gallini Hemmann, Inc., graphic designers.
This project will generate a valuable new resource for homeowners and community development groups. It will provide useful information on the many benefits the row house can offer for 21st century urban life. It will study the various types of row houses in Philadelphia, and map several row house neighborhoods. The Manual will cover not only issues related to the interior and exterior of the house: it will also include insights on building community through design, discussing open space, transportation, sustainability, and other issues often thought of to be lacking in contemporary urban life. While the Manual will be limited in size, it will be able to refer readers to the many valuable resources already in place to help homeowners help themselves. And when appropriate, it will provide information about where to go for help related to navigating the building permit process, City service providers, materials suppliers, etc.
From May through September 2007 we will be working with our consultants and representatives of numerous relevant City agencies to collect information and define the content for the Manual. We welcome input and ideas for the Manual. Have you seen or imagined an interesting solution to problem we face in row house living? Do you know of a unique source for building materials? Is there a particularly outstanding example of a row house type you know about? Please submit your suggestions to us at rowhouse@schadeandbolender.com
