The Atlantic

Project Scope

Type: Multifamily
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Original Construction: 1922
Architects: Rafael Vinoly, Coscia Moos Architecture
Area of Focus: Entire Building
Window Types: Aluminum Tilt & Turn Windows

Vetrina Windows has been the primary source of window products for several development companies whose business models involve rehabilitation of historic buildings. In most cases it is desirable to retain and preserve the historic character of a property with special attention paid to the form factor of finish products, such as windows. Because Vetrina is able to deliver custom solutions for individual projects affordably and quickly, our process has become the standard for matching period characteristics of window frame sizes, shapes, placement, glass size and divisions, sash elements, and finish.

Built in 1922 as the headquarters of the Atlantic-Richfield Oil Company, The Atlantic Building is the quintessential archetype of Beaux Arts style in center city Philadelphia. Rehabilitated and renovated in 2017-19, The Atlantic is positioned to redefine elegance and quality in city living. Soaring 22 stories over the intersection of Center City’s cultural and residential districts, The Atlantic offers unrivaled craftsmanship and sophistication in a historic form factor, aesthetically preserved by reproducing its period aspects exactly as they were, but with latest technologies and utilizing the best modern materials available. Completely reimagined from the ground up by architect Rafael Vinoly, and with the help of Vetrina The Atlantic heralds the arrival of Billionaire’s Row residences and lifestyle amenities to Philadelphia.

Overseeing the renovation process, the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia had set forth the regulatory guidelines aimed at conservation of historic characteristics and original visual nuances of the structure, such as its breathtaking terra cotta exterior details, striking period murals, rich Art Deco trim, and 1,250 single and double-hung windows, which have deteriorated beyond repair, and had to be replaced. When Post Brothers purchased the building with the intention to turn it into an upscale apartment complex, they approached Vetrina Windows with the challenge to conduct a throughout analysis of the original windows, and not only design visually identical replicas in order to maintain the historic character of the building, but also to accommodate their future use, as well as contemporary regulatory requirements for residential and commercial windows.

In designing compatible replacement windows, the appearance, size, design, proportion, operability, number and size of panes, profile, and reflective quality of the original glass were all taken into consideration. We approached the task with a clear future-minded vision, driven by the fact that the new windows must to be durable, repairable, recyclable, safe, easy to care for, and aesthetically universal enough to play well with the contemporary interiors, as well as the vintage exterior of The Atlantic. Although visually identical to the originals from the 1920’s, Vetrina’s design team has filled the new units with innovative features such as the iconic Tilt & Turn operation, designer hardware, and most importantly – anodized aluminum.