A facelift for a historic Philly landmark

The Lits Building – Public Improvements

Built between 1859 and 1907 to house the Lit Brothers Department Store, the Lits Building has been an important part of Philadelphia for more than a century. The public improvements program is the latest in a more than 25-year relationship our company has had with The Brickstone Companies, managers of the building.

Brickstone had us develop conceptual renderings and budgets for several options the City Planning Commission to review and approve. We collaborated with Brickstone to develop projects for façade lighting, escalator widening, upgrades to all public restrooms, streetscape improvements, and an entrance canopy on Market Street to support digital art videos.

The façade lighting highlights cast-iron window openings, and a creamy-white, base-lighting scheme ties the historic fabric together in combination with a grid of arched alcoves. But, during holidays, promotions, or current events, the whole thing can also come alive with automated patterns and colors. The entrance canopy marquee attracts people both night and day with its high-resolution LED screens, and initial video offerings will include mid-summer night dream fantasies, local landmarks, and culture in kaleidoscope.

From a small millinery shop to a commercial and retail space, this city-block encompassing structure is no stranger to change. With this public improvements program, the Lits Building ties into an overall revitalization of the downtown area.