Lindsey Scannapieco, Principal of Scout LTD., presented preliminary plans this week to bring Bok Technical High School back to life. Recently named a 2014 Curbed Young Guns finalist, Scannapieco said the team at Scout is planning a "multi-phase" project that will re-energize the gorgeous (and gargantuan) Art Deco school building located at 9th and Mifflin St. in East Passyunk Crossing. So, how will it happen?
According to the Passyunk Post, Scout will look to initially activate the ground floor space, both on the interior and fringe of the building, for public use and amenity. That could include better lighting, signage, green space or even opening up the roof terraces so people can enjoy that stellar, uninterrupted view. Scannapieco, the daughter of luxury developer Tom Scannapieco, noted that their focus is to preserve the building and will apply for historic tax credits to do so. Case in point, here's the incredible auditorium.
The ultimate goal is to transform the former vo-tech school into an innovative "maker space" with workshop, co-working, job training and even lower-rent living spaces. The maker spaces would be membership based, with opportunities for community involvement. The apartment units would be located on the upper floors of the building.
Bok is roughly 340,000 square-feet of space, hence the need for multiple phases. Parking could potentially be held "within the footprint" of the building in the existing basement. The Passyunk Post has the ownership and timeline details as well:
"Scout LTD. doesn't yet own the building. They're in the "due diligence" stage and expect to close on the property "within the new year", according to Scannapieco. Once Scout LTD. owns the property, construction could start as soon as six months after closing, with an opening to the public in the temporary, early-activation phases coming 12 to 18 months after that."
Fun Fact: Edward Bok, the namesake of the school, actually coined the term "living room" as the editor of Ladies Home Journal.
· Early Bok plans call for innovative maker space and 'public living rooms' [Passyunk Post]