CLS Wins ULI Award for Excellence!

We are thrilled to announce that the North Philadelphia Law Center for Community Legal Services was awarded an Urban Land Institute (ULI) Willard G. “Bill” Rouse III Award for Excellence. The prize, awarded annually, recognizes the best real estate projects completed within the last five years in Eastern and Central Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware. The winning projects – which represent a variety of types, including urban mixed-use, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, multipurpose entertainment, and institutional projects – were scored by 15 jury members from around the nation. Antonio Fiol-Silva, FAIA, Chair of ULI Philadelphia and Founding Principal of SITIO architecture + urbanism stated, “The finalists and winners this year exemplify the developmental trend of urban, community-focused projects. One of the most exciting elements is that this year’s winners … demonstrated the re-emergence of urbanism, the importance of the public realm, and how mixed use results in stronger developments.”

Carol Horne Penn and Paul Horning from Clemens Construction, and Amy Hirsh, Managing Attorney for CLS, accepting the award.

With a need for significantly more space and long-lasting ties to its growing client base, Community Legal Services demonstrated its high level commitment to this North Philadelphia neighborhood by building on a vacant lot around the corner from their former offices. The new, LEED Gold certified, building offers generous light-filled spaces and privacy for clients and a welcoming environment in a dense urban area. The Jury cited its design excellence and restraint, and its contribution to social equity.

Atkin Olshin Schade Architects enjoyed working with CLS to create a welcoming facility that improves accessibility and provides a higher level of services for their clients. We are commitment to environmental and cultural sustainability and are excited about the recognition the North Philadelphia Law Center continues to receive.