The 800 block of Markoe Street in West Philly has long held a reputation for being one of the most unkempt and dangerous stretches in its neighborhood, which is also home to the sprawling Lucien E. Blackwell public housing project. And yet unfortunately, when the Philadelphia Housing Authority (
PHA) built the Blackwell project back in 2000, the money ran out before the 800 block of Markoe Street had a chance to experience any renovation of its own.
But instead of simply forgetting about the 800 block, the PHA chose to hold a sustainable design competition for young architects; a handful of firms submitted their own ideas about how the block could best be saved. The Center City-based
Jibe Design won the competition, and when additional funds were finally made available to build on the block, they won the design contract as well.
According to Jibe Design's founder, Juliet Whelan, Jibe most likely won the competition because hers was the only firm that proposed a renovation of the original homes, as opposed to trashing them and then starting over. "Once you tear down these buildings," Whelan says, "I think you've already taken several steps back in sustainability."
Last year, Jibe Design's plan was also honored with a national award for design excellence by the American Institute of Architects (
AIA). And two weeks ago, a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the site celebrated the project's completion and welcomed its new residents. In all, 17 homes were rehabilitated and six new homes were built atop formerly empty lots. Jibe's uniquely modern design allows natural light to stream into nearly every room in the new homes, and
Energy Star appliances are used throughout. "I think this street feels like Philadelphia," says Whelan. "It feels like a nice mix of modern and old. I think it's a success."
Source: Juliet Whelan, Jibe Design
Writer: Dan Eldridge
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