INTECH Selected as Contractor for Equal Justice Center
INTECH SELECTED AS CONTRACTOR FOR EQUAL JUSTICE CENTER AT 800-30 VINE STREET
The 180,000-square foot Philadelphia Equal Justice Center brings a new national standard of collaboration and efficiency for free and low-cost legal services
PHILADELPHIA – (Nov. 8, 2018) – Pennrose PHL, LLC has selected Philadelphia-based INTECH Construction as the contractor for the Equal Justice Center (EJC), part of their larger development project located at 800-30 Vine Street in Philadelphia’s Chinatown. The Philadelphia Bar Foundation is spearheading the EJC as an initiative that embodies the Philadelphia legal community’s commitment to the promise of equality under law.
Since its founding in 1986, INTECH has been a prominent presence in the construction community. Recent projects include the new 76ers Training Complex in Camden, the Free Library of Philadelphia 21st Century Initiative, and the new Lincoln Square.
“We are looking forward to working with INTECH to bring the vision of the Philadelphia Bar Foundation into reality,” said Richard K. Barnhart, Chairman and CEO of Pennrose. “It is exciting having another Philadelphia-based company working on this unique development.”
The 12-story EJC building will house approximately 20 Philadelphia civil legal aid nonprofit organizations that will serve more than 40,000 people every year who will benefit from streamlined access to legal aid services and social supports at this new location.
The aggregate economic and social benefits of the Equal Justice Center are expected to exceed $200 million per year.
“The first of its kind in the country, the EJC will provide more effective solutions, promote pro bono opportunities in the legal community, and encourage information sharing, collaboration, creative thinking, learning, and research,” said Jessica Hilburn-Holmes, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Bar Foundation. “This dynamic project represents a significant long-term investment and commitment by the city’s legal and philanthropic community to assure that all Philadelphians have access to justice.”
“Philadelphia-based award-winning architectural firm WRT will be designing the building, and adjoining public, open space. The design will offer indoor and outdoor spaces that will be available to neighbors and will be responsive to the community’s goals through an ongoing public engagement process.”
“Building on our history of successful work together, the WRT team is very excited to be collaborating with INTECH on this important project for our City and region,” said Joe Healy, WRT’s Principal in Charge for the project.
“INTECH’s core values align well with Pennrose’s mission to create this visionary project for our city,” said Craig Sabatino, INTECH’s co-founder and managing principal. “Through collaborative teamwork with both Pennrose and WRT, we will strive to achieve the goals we set for all projects, but especially for those of civic importance to the city – to build sustainably, while also improving Philadelphia communities.”
Thirty-thousand square feet of artfully landscaped, pedestrian-friendly, public, open space will be located outside the EJC, extending pedestrian connections from Chinatown, Franklin Square and Independence Mall. Community space inside the EJC is designated for public use.
The EJC is just one component of the complex site to be constructed at 800-30 Vine Street site. The development will include market rate and affordable senior housing, as well as a hotel.
Construction will begin in 2019 and the Equal Justice Center will open its doors in 2022. The project will support local construction and permanent jobs in the Chinatown community.
About the Philadelphia Bar Foundation and the Equal Justice Center
The Equal Justice Center (EJC), spearheaded by the Philadelphia Bar Foundation, is setting a new national standard for inter‐agency collaboration, operational efficiency, and client‐centered delivery of free and low-cost legal services. Located at 800-30 Vine Street, the EJC will open in 2022 with approximately 20 public service legal aid agencies and social services organizations. The EJC’s shared efficiency model allows peer non-profits to reduce expenses, serve clients effectively, and make better use of resources to provide more services. Learn more at www.philaequaljusticecenter.org.
About Pennrose PHL, LLC
With more than 40 years of experience, Pennrose combines quality development and proven management to deliver exceptional lifestyle-centered communities for its residents. With the superior knowledge and unparalleled dedication to get the job done right, Pennrose develops and operates both conventional and affordable communities throughout the Eastern and Midwestern portion of the United States. Learn more at www.pennrose.com.
About WRT
WRT is a team of planners, urban designers, architects and landscape architects. We value the impact of our collective approach to create simple solutions for complex problems across scales. We serve our communities by designing places that enhance the natural and social environment. Learn more at www.wrtdesign.com.
About INTECH
INTECH Construction is Philadelphia’s largest locally-owned Construction Manager and General Contractor. The company is proud to serve the area’s major academic and cultural institutions, as well as the healthcare, hospitality, and business sectors. Our values are deeply rooted in building trust in our partnerships, achieving excellence and quality, and improving the communities in which we build. Learn more at www.intechconstruction.com.