The Harman Group designs mixed-use project built on existing foundation

Philadelphia — The Harman Group, a firm specializing in structural engineering and parking planning and design services, celebrated the groundbreaking of The Hamilton, a new mixed-use development on the Community College of Philadelphia’s (CCP) campus during a ceremony on September 12. Located in the Logan Square neighborhood of Philadelphia, the $129 million, 504,000 square foot development will consist of two buildings with 500 residential units, ample resident amenities, 3,300-square-feet of ground floor retail, a community plaza/garden, and underground parking.

The Hamilton will be built on top of the site’s original foundation as well as a portion of its existing structure. The project also utilizes the existing assets to create an underground parking lot.

The Harman Group is providing structural engineering and parking planning and design services for the development, which will be developed by Radnor Property Group in partnership with CCP and designed by MY Architecture.

The project will be completed in two stages. Phase I, a 10-story, 290-unit building will be completed first, followed by the 16-story, 210-unit Phase II building.

“The Harman Group’s extensive knowledge and practice with overbuilds has allowed for a more practical and cost-saving use of this site,” said Al Meyer, senior project engineer for The Harman Group. “We’re able to build off the existing structure in order to more efficiently serve students and professionals in the area.”

The residential units will be made up of studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments marketed towards CCP students, Drexel medical and nursing school students, and professionals working in the community. The building follows a recent trend in housing geared towards students and professionals; units are smaller, but shared amenities are maximized, allowing for more affordable units. The Hamilton will offer residents a fitness center, game room, library, communal kitchen, community garden, and a rooftop deck with sweeping views of the Center City skyline.

Completion of Phase I of the project is slated for the summer of 2018.