Pop Art Design and Multi-Sensory Environments to Transform Iconic Philadelphia Property

American Real Estate Partners (AREP), an institutional fund manager and operating partner focused on office and mixed-use repositioning and development, announced today commencement of its planned renovations for 1600 Market Street, an iconic, 39-story class-A office tower located in the heart of Philadelphia’s thriving Central Business District (CBD). Conceived by award-winning Collective Architecture, the renovation plan will transform the property into a modern workplace through inspired pop art design features, reimagined environments and experiential activations and amenities.

“Working with our architects, we sought to create a workplace that possesses a strong personality, engages and supports our customers and their employees in unique ways, and forms an authentic sense of place and belonging for all,” said Paul Schulman, Principal and COO, AREP. “The building’s existing architecture and aesthetic offered a unique opportunity to create a retro-chic, experiential environment that feels energetic, fresh and welcoming.”

Constructed on the site of the historic Fox Theatre in 1980, many of the aesthetic elements planned for the renovation of 1600 Market Street pay homage to the former movie house and its one-time owner 20th Century Fox. To enhance the property’s street-level presence, a large, reflective, pop art inspired 1600 sculpture will adorn the area adjacent to the front entrance.

The lobby will showcase a celebration of both architectural and artistic objects designed to frame the environment into unique functional areas with interactive pop art fixtures on the walls and ceiling which harmoniously work to create multi-sensory experiences within the space.

“Our collective goal was to amplify the identity and personality of this landmark property through a purposeful and engaging thematic design,” said Alex Hurtado, Principal, Collective Architecture. “To celebrate this important building, planned aesthetic elements will honor notable Philadelphians and the City’s unique spirit. When combined, this amalgam of art, architecture and activated environments will deliver an authentic sense of place reflective of Philadelphia’s past, present and future.”

Other planned enhancements include a tenant only amenity suite, Elixr coffee bar, collaborative workspaces, conference facilities and a state-of-the-art fitness center. AREP anticipates the lobby and amenity spaces to be completed in March 2020.

In addition to the planned renovations, the property’s premier address, and close proximity to prominent retail, dining, and cultural amenities, 1600 Market Street offers convenient access to all major arterial roadways of the region, including Interstates 76, 676 and 95 and is one block from Suburban Station with connections to the SEPTA Commuter trains and Amtrak at 30th Street Station.

“When the renovations are complete, 1600 Market Street will be a made-to-measure experience for tenants to embark, experience and enjoy,” added Schulman.

About American Real Estate Partners

Headquartered in the greater Washington metropolitan area, American Real Estate Partners (AREP) is an institutional fund manager and operating partner focused on office and mixed-use repositioning and development throughout the Greater Mid-Atlantic Region. Since its founding in 2003, the Company has deployed over $4.0B across targeted geographies and acquired more than 17M SQFT of class-A real estate. AREP strives to bring a sense of place to each asset, making its properties more distinctive and desirable which, in turn, creates enhanced returns for its investors. For more information, please visit www.americanrepartners.com.

About Collective Architecture

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., Collective Architecture focuses on corporate interiors, capital improvements, building repositioning and branded environments. Founded by Alex Hurtado and Charles Plymale in 2010, Collective is a studio comprised of architects, artists and thinkers known for enthusiasm and creative design. For more information, please visit www.collectivearchitecture.com.