Local developers gathered at the recent “Conversion City” event to discuss the opportunities and challenges involved in repurposing Philadelphia’s landmark buildings, writes Paul Schwedelson for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Leo Addimando, managing partner of Alterra Property Group, emphasized that the key to redeveloping older buildings is to expect the unexpected.

“You have to assume that whatever it is you know about the building, whether you have drawings or you do all sorts of structural investigations along the way, you will encounter things you don’t expect and you just have to plan for that,” he said.

Lindsey Scannapieco of Scout and Jake Elghanayan of TF Cornerstone agreed the key to managing complex redevelopments is respecting the legacy of historic buildings while keeping an open mind.

Scout, a Philadelphia-based developer, converted the Bok Building in South Philadelphia from the Bok Vocational School into a hub for creatives and entrepreneurs. They preserved key historical features, including the gym’s original floor and basketball hoops, while repurposing the space for weddings and other gatherings.

“It’s really about acknowledging history but not being bound or restricted by it,” said Scannapieco. “I think our role when we’re taking on a historic building is really to be the stewards of its future.”

Read more about the changes to Philadelphia landmarks in the Philadelphia Business Journal.

_____

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on PHILADELPHIA.Today in June 2025.