The Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority has approved a $2.27 million contract to restore and rehabilitate the exterior of Chestnut Hill's Water Tower Recreation Center, marking the largest investment in the historic community resource in decades.

The classical revival-style building, built in an era when public buildings were designed to inspire civic pride, has received minimal investment for years and needs repairs. The renovation project aims to preserve this architectural heritage while ensuring the building meets modern safety and functionality standards.

The extensive project, awarded to R.C. Legnini Inc., will update the exterior of the 13,870-square-foot masonry building at 209 E. Hartwell Lane while maintaining its historic character. Though not currently listed on historic registers, the recreation center is eligible for historic designation, requiring all work to conform to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The building also contributes to Chestnut Hill's designation as a National Historic District.

Plans from SMP Architects detail work on all four facades, with particular attention to the street-facing east elevation. This facade retains much of its original 1921 classical design features, including a prominent colonnade and triangular pediment typical of civic architecture from that era.

The project builds on recent community-driven improvements to the historic institution. The Water Tower Advisory Council, which became a 501C3 several years ago, has already completed a $115,000 restoration of the small pocket park around the tower itself, including new lighting.

"So many people really love the center – both for the vibrant resource it is now, and also for the memories of what has happened there in the past," said council member Mary Pomichter. "The community response to our efforts has just been incredible."

Pomichter said she hopes this larger renovation project could catalyze further improvements. "When you make an investment like this, it can have a ripple effect, so more and more people start to care, and want to invest," she said, noting that interior improvements are still needed. A future wishlist for the center, developed by the Community Design Collaborative, includes a playground and walking path around the property.

The renovation emphasizes preservation while addressing modern needs. No changes will be made to the building's exterior openings, massing, plan or interiors. Project documents note that "the building retains a high degree of integrity, and the project will emphasize the historic aspects of the work, including the integration of new fabric with the existing historic building fabric."

The renovation focuses heavily on masonry restoration. Workers will thoroughly clean the building's stone walls, replace damaged sections and repoint all joints. Limestone panels, which have been painted over time, will be stripped and restored to their original condition. Project documents specify that experienced craftsmen must perform all stone masonry work.

Window restoration is another key component. The building's numerous windows will either be restored or replaced with new aluminum-clad wood windows that match the historic ones in style, size and operation, including divided lite patterns. Several sections of glass block windows, particularly at the basement level, will be preserved.

New exterior doors will be installed throughout the building. The specifications call for stainless steel hollow metal doors with raised panels, maintaining a historic appearance while providing modern security and durability. These doors will feature embossed patterns and varying rail sizes to match traditional designs.

Infrastructure improvements include comprehensive repairs to the stormwater management system, with workers repairing or replacing gutters, scuppers and downspouts. Stone terraces will be carefully salvaged and replaced over new waterproof membranes.

Safety upgrades include new railings that match existing historic styles while meeting current building codes. Existing railings will be repaired and repainted, and stone stair treads will be reset and repointed as needed. All new windows will receive either restored security screens or modern security glazing.

The first floor will see significant improvements, including multiple pairs of aluminum-clad windows in existing openings and new hollow metal raised panel doors with transoms. Second-floor renovations include window replacements and door upgrades, with a separate contract planned for fire escape replacement.

The Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority board approved the construction contract in October 2024. The project is scheduled to begin in February and is expected to take 6 months to complete.