Roundhouse Reimagined
A Symposium Looking at Reusing, Repurposing and Reinvigorating the Modern Marvel
Sponsored by docomomo-phl chapter and the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia
Wednesday, October 29, 2025. 1 p.m-6 p.m. at WHYY Studios (150 N. Sixth Street)
The former Philadelphia Police Department Headquarters, colloquially known as the Roundhouse, is an internationally acclaimed piece of midcentury modern architecture known for its curvilinear form made possible by its innovative use of precast concrete and post-tensioning engineering. While Philadelphia’s Historical Commission did not to designate the structure as an historic landmark last year, architectural historians, social activists, city residents and modern preservations are working to preserve the building. This symposium – through a call for ideas — will showcase creative ways to use and repurpose the structure, both in the short term and for its long-term future redevelopment. The symposium will hopefully spur new development opportunities for the Roundhouse that will retain its unique architecture.
Call for Adaptive Reuse Concepts
An open call for bold, preservation-minded reuse concepts for the Roundhouse.
- Q&A Webinar: Tuesday, August 26, 6–7:30 PM on Zoom (recording will be made available)
- Submission Deadline: Friday, September 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET
We’re seeking creative, preservation-minded proposals that honor the Roundhouse’s unique design while responding to community needs. This is not a development RFP, but a conceptual design exercise. Selected teams will present their ideas at the October 29 public program and help shape the conversation about the Roundhouse’s future.
Designed by the internationally-recognized Philadelphia firm Geddes Brecher Qualls Cunningham in 1959 and completed in 1962, the Police Administration Building is a quintessential example of Philadelphia School modernism, and among the first buildings in the United States to expertly utilize the form and function of precast concrete.
Design Prompt
Develop an adaptive reuse concept for the Roundhouse that:
- Preserves the design integrity and reuses the existing structure
- May address short-term or long-term activation
- Does not center on new construction on the rear lot, though integration is permitted
- Responds to community input from the City’s community engagement report (e.g., cultural center, civic use, education, housing, nonprofit hub)
- Considers basic programmatic and economic feasibility
- Accounts for potential use of federal historic tax credits
Reference Materials
- Drawings (architectural and structural)
- Images (interior and exterior)
- Building history and architectural significance summary (from Philadelphia Register of Historic Places Nomination)
- City’s community engagement report (Framing the Future of the Roundhouse)
- Zoning Summary
- Webinar with Jack Pyburn, FAIA to explore the Roundhouse’s history, design, and key architectural features. This session will also review the above resources and include time for Q&A.
- Tuesday, August 26, 6-7:30 PM, session will be recorded
- Register now
Submission Requirements
Please submit one PDF file (max 10MB) including:
- Design Narrative (up to 2 pages) – Describe your reuse concept and intended public/community benefit
- Visual Presentation (up to 5 pages) – Diagrams, renderings, collages, or conceptual visualizations (construction drawings not expected).
- Team Information – Short bios of key contributors and email contact
Selection & Presentation
A multidisciplinary jury of preservation, design, and community leaders will select up to six concepts to present during the public program on October 29.
Submissions will be evaluated on:
- Preservation sensitivity and architectural clarity
- Responsiveness to community-identified needs
- Creative programming and activation potential
- Conceptual economic/programmatic feasibility
- Visual and narrative clarity
Each selected team will deliver a 20-minute lightning talk, followed by a moderated panel and Q&A session. A formatted presentation sheet of selected concepts will also be featured in a public display.
All selected proposals may be included in future advocacy materials, exhibitions, or discussions related to the Roundhouse’s future.
Eligibility
- Open to all! Community members, architects, engineers, and interdisciplinary teams
- Students and emerging professionals’ submissions encouraged
- Local Philadelphia-area teams prioritized, but national submissions welcome
- No entry fee; this is a conceptual, non-compensated call for ideas
How to Submit
Email one PDF file (max 10MB) to hstark@preservationalliance.com with subject line: Roundhouse Reimagined – [Team Name]
Deadline: Friday, September 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET
Questions? Contact: Hanna Stark, Director of Policy and Communications, Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, hstark@preservationalliance.com
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