Design Profile: Jefferson Plaza

Jefferson Plaza provides a new public outdoor room at the corner of 12th and Chestnut Streets on a site once occupied by an above-ground multi-story garage. The Plaza is the capstone of Chestnut Walk and a result of the East Market Masterplan designed by Perkins Eastman’s Philadelphia studio. The plan extends the finer threads of the Philadelphia grid, bringing pedestrian friendly walks and streets to the East Market superblock, bracketed by Market, Chestnut, 11th, and 12th Streets. 

Jefferson Plaza transforms essential infrastructure into a dynamic public space by putting the parking below ground with at-grade space for respite and events. Ventilation shafts, egress stairs, and storage are enclosed — clad in wood and public art — to enrich the plaza while serving it. Add Fuel contributed a public art installation, titled "Cradle," comprised of tiles with colors and patterns inspired by Philly history. Planters, seating, tables, and locations for food trucks further enrich and support the space.  

Project: Jefferson Plaza  

Location: Center City Philadelphia  

Client: Jefferson Health and National Real Estate Advisors  

Project Size: 22,000 square feet 

Project Team:  

Perkins Eastman Architects (Architecture, Planning, Design) 

Margie Ruddick Landscape (Landscape Architecture) 

Groundswell Design Group (Outdoor Furnishing) 

Jaros Baum & Bolles (MEP Engineering) 

IMEG (Structural Engineering) 

Pennoni (Civil Engineering) 

The Lighting Practice (Lighting Design) 

PHOTOS: ANDREW RUGGE © PERKINS EASTMAN