Visitor Service Structures Add to Historic Site Amenities
Atkin Olshin Schade Architects has been working with Eastern State Penitentiary since 2011 on several projects to increase public access to their National Historic Landmark building and to enhance spaces for interpretation, public programs and visitor services.
Eastern State Penitentiary is one of the most historic prisons in the United States. Opened in 1829 as a new model for rehabilitating criminals through solitary confinement, the prison closed permanently in 1971 after deterioration and over-crowding left it obsolete. Much of the site remains in a state of ruin.
AOS completed a master plan for the site that positions Eastern State Penitentiary as a leader in building conservation, historical interpretation, and contemporary discussion of crime, punishment, reform, and redemption. The plan balances ongoing stabilization and conservation of the historic buildings and grounds while accommodating support facilities for 250,000 annual visitors.
Construction was recently completed on a visitor services pavilion that provides sheltered gathering space for visitors arriving for tours of the historic prison. The pavilion’s steel butterfly roof stands as a counterpoint to the original stone structure. This phase of work also includes significant stormwater management and electrical upgrades for the full city block site, restoration of the historic Bertillon entry doors, and a new accessible entry.
AOS is currently working on Phase 2 of the project, the design of the new Visitor Center. The Center includes a spacious glass-roofed multi-purpose room that encloses an underutilized courtyard, as well as exhibit spaces and other visitor amenities.
Project Team:
Structural Engineer: Keast & Hood; MEP Engineer: Bruce E. Brooks & Associates; Civil Engineer: Cedarville Engineering Group, LLC; Builder: Wolfe Scott Associates; Owner's Representative: Jessica Senker; Photography: Greg Benson
AOS’ design for our new Visitor Center sensitively adds new elements within our historic walls and incorporates much needed visitor services without sacrificing the integrity of the original historic penitentiary. Sara Jane Elk, President & CEO, Eastern State Penitentiary
