Today the City released “Framing the Future of the Roundhouse,” a report documenting a six-month process of public engagement that will inform how the building is redeveloped. The Roundhouse, the former headquarters of the Philadelphia Police Department, was vacated in 2022 when the department moved in to 440 North Broad Street.
The Department of Planning and Development contracted with Connect the Dots and Amber Art and Design to lead the engagement process on the ground. The concept of meaningful placemaking shaped the multiple engagement efforts implemented throughout the process. Meaningful placemaking connects people’s stories and lived experience to a site during a period of transition in use or form, creating public engagement that connects people to the site and to each other.
The team used surveys and focus groups as well as artmaking, youth-led discussion groups, and other community-building events.
“For many Philadelphians, the Roundhouse is a symbol of the harm caused by urban renewal and police misconduct. For others, the curved, concrete structure is an architectural and engineering milestone worthy of preservation,” said Anne Fadullon, Director of the City’s Department of Planning and Development. “We hope that the future of this site is one that can knit the community together, and we are proceeding with care toward that end.”
“It is important to us to listen to the community and add their insight to the proposal process,” said Martha Cross, Deputy Director of Planning and Zoning. “The central location of this site, its size, and proximity to transit make it very appealing to future development. Putting the public engagement process before any other part of development pipeline means we can incorporate community priorities in future development.”
“I’ve learned so much about this building’s history and meaning to the community,” said Ian Litwin, City Planner and project manager for this public engagement. “The complex relationship that Philadelphians have with the building will shape any proposal.”
Most respondents agreed that the high concrete wall surrounding the building makes the site feel cut off from the neighborhood and recommended that it be removed. The concrete wall was not part of the original design. Another widespread recommendation was for future development to give back to the surrounding community.
The Roundhouse contains 125,000 sq. ft. over four floors. The Roundhouse shares a 2.7-acre parcel with a 56,000 sq. ft. surface parking lot to the rear, which will be included in the request for proposals. The next steps for the future of the site include a review by the Philadelphia Historical Commission and issuance of a request for proposals by PIDC, Philadelphia’s public-private economic development corporation.
Download the report here.