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Eastern State Penitentiary
Philadelphia, PA
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Construction on the site began in the 1830's with the erection of the walls and Cell Block One. Originally designed by John Haviland and based on the Philadelphia Experiment, a revolutionary Quaker notion of penitence, the penitentiary remained in operation until the early 1970's.
It is now used simply as a monument to itself and as an interpretive site. Although progress is being made to arrest the progress of the deterioration, the buildings are in varying states of collapse and decay. Personally, Sam Harris has been actively engaged in various contracts since 1988. S. Harris & Co. has been involved at the site since the inception of the company. Beginning in 1988 with a Physical Assessment of the entire site which filled six volumes, he has overseen and executed a Stabilization Plan and an Alternative Use Study. More recently he has been the architect and engineer of record for roofing projects at the Administration building, Cell Block One, and at the link between Cell Block One and the Rotunda. The work continues for Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site and Mr. Harris with current studies of the Synagogue, the Chapel, fire evacuation plans, plaster stabilization studies, and additional roofing projects. Eastern State Penitentiary is a National Historic Landmark. Visit the site at www.easternstate.org.
Click here to read more about this project Click here to read "Preservation Authenticity vs. Building Function" Click here to read "Alternative Use as a Preservation Strategy"
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