North Philly Factory
CLIENT: MACRO SEA
LOCATION: PHILADELPHIA, PA
YEAR: 2013
Renovation of two abandoned industrial buildings and a factory-turned-church into a hive of creativity for the surrounding community, including a gallery and event space, offices, art studios, and coworking space. Throughout the building, one catches glimpses of the building’s former lives in the sandblasted wood structure, clear-coated walls preserving layers of wallpaper and paint, partially restored plaster medallions, defunct machinery left in place, and excavations and openings to reveal hidden structures. The new construction is minimal and modern, creating a juxtaposition with the rich existing textures.

Concept, design, drawings, and construction administration by Elise DeChard as Lead Designer at Macro Sea (2010-2013).