A groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 22 to officially mark the start of much-needed repairs and renovations to the Chestnut Hill Community Center (CHCC), 8419 Germantown Avenue.
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A groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 22 to officially mark the start of much-needed repairs and renovations to the Chestnut Hill Community Center (CHCC), 8419 Germantown Avenue.
The work will be implemented and overseen by John Milner Architects, a firm specializing in historic buildings. This includes preserving the building's historically certified registration, increasing square footage, increasing ADA compliance, adding energy efficiencies, and an elevator and new rest rooms. The center will also add a hospitality center, coffee shop, co-working spaces, conference rooms, and a large multi-purpose room that can be used for meetings and conferences by the entire community.
The Friends of the Wissahickon have committed to using a large portion of the interior space for its permanent quarters and will serve as an anchor tenant, helping to maintain the building as self-sustaining in the future. Some of the existing ground-floor businesses will relocate. Bird in Hand Consignment will move to 9 W. Highland Ave.
Exterior renovations include plans to create a pocket park and garden allée, a new ADA side entrance, and an outdoor gathering space convenient to Germantown Avenue and its parking lot.
Repairs and renovations are expected to be completed by Summer 2022.
Speakers included Paul Meyer, Master of Ceremonies; Alyssa Edwards, President of the FOW; Ruffian Tittmann, Executive Director, FOW; Shawn McCarney, Executive Director, William Penn Foundation; Megan Maguire Nicoletti, President, Maguire Foundation; Will Detweiler, President, CHCC; John Quigg, President, Delran Builders; and Mary Warner Denadai, Principal of John Milner Architects.
Will Detweiler, President of the CHCC, noted: “The renovations and improvements to the CHCC ensures it will remain strong, standing proudly on Germantown Avenue, serving the community for another hundred years, and continuing to reflect the true spirit of Chestnut Hill.” Detweiler added a heartfelt “thank you” for the support the project has received in the community.
Those wishing to make a contribution can send a check made out to The Chestnut Hill Community Fund (a 501C organization), and mail to: 8419 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, 19118.