Renovation Update

The first phase of our efforts to restore the historic Head House and Shambles on 2nd and Pine Streets began in March, made possible by a generous $1.5 mil­lion grant from the City of Philadelphia, secured by Councilman Mark Squilla.

 Based on plans prepared by John Milner Architects, Inc., a nationally respected historic preservation firm, funded by the City’s Department of Public Property, we conducted a competitive bidding process, and selected W.S. Cumby Construction, a family-owned business with deep expertise in restoring and renovating historic landmarks.

 A temporary fence has been erected around the Head House to accommodate supplies and equipment storage during the project. The Farmers’ Market will continue to operate without interruption throughout the renovation. The project is expected to be completed by mid-to-late summer.

 Cumby’s renovation work will focus on the most critical preservation priorities: repointing brickwork, window and roof repairs, restoration of the cupola wood­work, interior office space renovations, installation of a ground floor bathroom for special events, and restoration of the historic clock.

While this phase addresses urgent needs, the Conservancy will be seeking to raise an additional $300,000 to $400,000 to complete the full restoration, including further masonry repoint­ing, repainting, a new clockface, updated informational signs, and façade lighting.