Rebuilding Community Infrastructure (REBUILD)

JMT is providing program management and design services for the City of Philadelphia’s innovative initiative to transform parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, and libraries throughout the City’s diverse neighborhoods in partnership with local non-profit organizations, the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation, Free Library of Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority.

As part of this initiative, JMT Architecture designed the expansion and renovation of Miles Mack and Nelson Recreation Centers to include spaces for administration, computer labs, art programs, small indoor recreation, classroom learning, restrooms, and utilities. The facilities are designed to ensure 50-year life cycles due to heavy use. Key design factors are accessibility, durability, and sustainability.

The design processes for these facilities required a heightened focus on community engagement to ensure the completed products truly serve each unique neighborhood. One way in which this was accomplished was by engaging artists through Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program; the image shows one artist’s concept. The final mural concept will be developed by the selected artist through the Mural Arts Program RFP process.

JMT Architecture is also providing site and building assessments for multiple facilities for the Rebuild initiative. Our assessments will ensure that appropriate upgrades and renovations supporting Philadelphia Parks and Recreation programs will continue to serve the communities of which they are an essential part.