Adaptive reuse of the historic Delaware Power Station

Constructed in 1921 by the Philadelphia Electric Company, the Delaware Power Station stands as a 500,000 sq. ft. neoclassical masterpiece, embodying solidity and safety in the realm of electric power. Originally named the Delaware Power Station, this behemoth was designed to transform coal into power through a process involving the Delaware River. Over time, however, it fell into disuse, becoming a vacant and vandalized structure—an ideal candidate for adaptive reuse to breathe life back into the waterfront.

Enter Strada. We relished the opportunity to transform this industrial relic into a Philadelphia riverfront icon. The meticulous process involved the integration of new windows and curtainwalls in harmony with the original design. The boiler house, once a cavernous space for multi-story boilers, underwent a complete overhaul, now fitted with floors and topped with a two-story addition. What was once home to coal bins and boiler houses has been repurposed into 173 apartments, 49,000 sq. ft. of leasable office space, a 25,000 sq. ft. wedding venue, and a 45-unit hotel by renowned event expert Cescaphe.

Striking a balance between preserving the original architecture and introducing contemporary elements, laser scanning ensured pinpoint accuracy for new floor locations and historically sympathetic replacement windows. The interiors celebrate the building’s origins, with exposed concrete walls and nods to its coal-firing past. A steel cistern, an abandoned fragment within the space, was carefully relocated to the front lobby, serving as a tangible reminder of the building’s history.

The Battery now hosts concerts and events on the water, connecting to Pier 61 and architect Louis Kahn’s floating stage, Point Counterpoint II. Future plans include designing the Turbine Hall and enhancing river trail connectivity, promising a continued revival of this historic powerhouse. The project stands as a testament to the transformative power of adaptive reuse, proving that even the most aged structures can find renewed purpose and relevance in contemporary times.

Situated within a Keystone Opportunity Zone, the project received crucial historic tax credits.