Union League of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
JOHN FRASER, 1865; HORACE TRUMBAUER, 1911
Horace Trumbauer designed this grand meeting space in 1910 but when construction began, much of the original detail was left unbuilt, including the elaborate coffered ceiling, wood paneled walls, and perimeter chandeliers. With this extensive renovation, the ceiling has now been created as intended, carefully following the original drawings and incorporating sophisticated lighting, HVAC, and acoustical systems. We designed new crystal chandeliers to complement the magnificent, restored 19th century gasolier and a hand painted mural surrounding the 320-foot perimeter atop new faux bois walls. Multiple historical elements comprise the curtain design soaring 35 feet above the parquet floor. Elegant, upholstered panels highlight bronze sconces, and historic portraits were rehung to tell a clear and compelling story of how this stunning space was meant to be experienced.
First Place Winner ICAA Trumbauer Award for Interior Design of a Single Room
AIA 2014 Award for Design Excellence
Winner Preservation Alliance Preservation Achievement Award
Winner Preservation Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Construction Project Award
The Lincoln BallroomElegant, upholstered panels highlight bronze sconces, and historic portraits are balanced by a hand painted mural wrapping the room to tell a clear and compelling story of how this stunning space was meant to be experienced.
Union League LibraryThe library has been revered by members throughout the League’s history as the “keeper of our character”. It represents the physical expression of the ideals of beauty and commitment to knowledge as the true source of strength. A comprehensive restoration to original floors, paneling, and ornamented groin-vaulted ceilings is complemented by refurbished original furnishings, window treatments, lighting, and the reinstallation of a substantial art collection.
Heritage CenterWithin James Fraser’s iconic Union League of Philadelphia, a prominent home has been created for their new Heritage Center and Civil War Archives. State-of-the-art museum galleries now showcase paintings, sculpture, documents, and ephemera, while gracious entertaining facilities exemplifying Belle Époch aesthetics offer space for events supporting the work of The Union League’s busy philanthropic foundations.
AwardsFirst Place Winner ASID Interior Design Award for Historic Preservation First Place Winner ASID Interior Design Award for an Educational or Museum Space
