project description

Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1752, The Philadelphia Contributionship is the oldest property insurance company in the United States. The Contributionship’s building in the Society Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia is a designated National Historic Landmark. RAS led the effort of renovating the rear garden courtyard, working with Contributionship administrators to access archived historic plans, and specifying details and materials to restore the intimate courtyard to its former elegance. The garden features a central fountain surrounded by stone chip and brick paths that define flagstone-edged planting beds. The firm carefully evaluated existing site elements and conditions to make the best use of salvaged items while addressing drainage and accessibility issues. New plantings add seasonality and compliment existing plantings in the newly restored formal beds.