The National, Mixed-Use Multifamily, Opens in Former Restaurant Supply Company Site

by Steve Lubetkin, Globest.com
The National, a 220,000 square foot, 192-unit mixed use apartment building, has opened in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood, adjacent to Elfreth’s Alley, a historic landmark and one of the most heavily foot-trafficked sites in Philadelphia.
The Harman Group, which specializes in structural engineering and parking planning and design, provided structural engineering services for the six-story project. The project was developed by The Buccini/Pollin Group in partnership with AFL-CIO Building Investment Trust and designed by architect BartonPartners.

“We are honored to be a part of the team who brought this historic location back to life,” say Jason Squitiere, associate and project manager at The Harman Group. “The Harman Group’s extensive mixed use and historic renovation experience allowed us to determine the best structural systems for the building’s different uses, so we could optimize the amenity, retail, and residential spaces for Old City.”
The structural system designed by The Harman Group used structural steel for the first floor and parking garage, supporting cold-formed bearing walls and wood trusses for the upper five floors. THG also provided parking planning consultation to the architect.

The National features 4,000 square feet of retail and amenity spaces on the first floor, sweeping views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Delaware River and a two-level underground parking garage with space for 60 cars. At the northwest corner of the site, the former parking lot has been transformed into a public park for residents and visitors to Elfreth’s Alley.

The former National Products Company site has a deep history in Philadelphia and is recognized by the Philadelphia Historic Commission for its iconic orange tile façade, which was remarkably replicated in the new facade on the North 2nd Street elevation. The new building pays homage to the site’s former occupant by including the original stainless-steel sign from the restaurant supply building.
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