Roundhouse Reimagined

A Symposium Looking at Reusing, Repurposing and Reinvigorating the Modern Marvel

A symposium and open call for concepts hosted by the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia and Docomomo PHL, held October 29, 2025, at WHYY

This event brought together over 150 architects, designers, planners, community members, and civic leaders to envision new possibilities for Philadelphia’s iconic Police Administration Building. Through a public call for conceptual reuse ideas, the program showcased six visionary reuse concepts for the Roundhouse while sparking dialogue about its complex legacy and future.

The exercise demonstrated that there is both the public demand and professional capacity to transform this landmark into a community-serving, preservation-minded asset and to influence how the City and property owners approach its redevelopment. The Preservation Alliance and Docomomo PHL will continue advocating for a reuse strategy that honors the building’s design significance while engaging the community in shaping its future.

The Six Selected Teams & Concepts

Six interdisciplinary teams were selected from dozens of submissions for their bold, creative, and preservation-minded approaches to reimagining the Roundhouse. Their conceptual proposals explored new uses for the site that balance architectural integrity with community needs and urban vitality. View each team’s presentation for the symposium below

Design Advocacy Group: An Intercity Bus Station
Ian Smith Design Group: Reclaiming the Roundhouse
KieranTimberlake: The Roundhouse Becomes a Home
Parallel Architecture Studio: Shared Ground for All
RVA Architecture: Casting a New Vision for the Roundhouse
SSPJ Design: Equal Justice for the People

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Lead: Docomomo – US, John Milner Architects

Supporting: AIA Philadelphia, RVA Architecture

Community Partner: David Geddes

Watch the Event Recordings

Couldn’t attend in person? Watch the full Roundhouse Reimagined symposium below, including the keynote address, six design team presentations, and panel discussion on adaptive reuse and the future of modern architecture in Philadelphia.