Design Profile: PHMC at 4601 Market St

FIFTEEN, along with its partners, is focusing the conversation on Design and a Philadelphia that prioritizes health and wellbeing.  

PHMC’s 4601 Market Street Project renovates a prominent historic building in West Philadelphia to bring outreach, health promotion, education, research, planning, technical assistance, and direct services to the community. The new space allows PHMC to provide a range of child and family-oriented services under one roof. The facility is designed to inspire health and well-being, and to deliver a client-centered, family-inclusive experience. Over seven programs are housed under the same roof; bringing physical, mental, and education services to the West Philadelphia Community. These programs include The Center for Autism, The Millcreek School, Community Mental Health, and a Health Center.  

The main community space on the first floor features large windows and family friendly furnishings to create a welcoming environment for a diverse population. A multi-purpose room expands into the waiting and reception area accommodating large community events. The adjacent life skills kitchen will feature demonstrations and programming to support healthy eating and nourishment.  

Designed to support the physical and emotional well-being of each staff member, the second floor at 4601 features a staff lounge and café, quiet areas, wellness rooms, team rooms, and technology enabled meeting spaces. Natural light and views flow into the workplace areas through large perimeter windows.  

Inspired by the context and local landscape, FIFTEEN designed large-scale graphics that provide community focused messaging in support of the campus-wide themes of respite, retreat, and nature. Created in concert with wayfinding strategies, the colors, textures, and themes organize the building into character zones that help to orient its inhabitants. 

Project: PHMC at 4601 Market Street 

Location: Philadelphia, PA    

Client: Public Health Management Corporation 

Project Size: 80,000 sf  

Project Team: 

FIFTEEN Architecture + Design (Architect)  

DEDC (MEP Engineer)   

Technology: BALA (Technology) 

BEAM Ltd (Lighting)  

Bittenbender Construction (Contractor) 

Photos: Photos: Jeffrey Totaro