Portfolio: Historic Preservation

The Mask & Wig Club Theater, Philadelphia, PA

Matthew Millan Architects has been called upon to plan and oversee the preservation and rehabilitation of this ca. 1834 building. The structure, originally designed as a church, was turned into a performance space in 1894 to serve the 2nd oldest collegiate comedy troupe that continues to create original musical comedies. The transformation of a stable into a Bavarian styled Clubhouse by architect Wilson Eyre and collaboration with artist Maxfield Parrish earned this building recognition on the National Register of Historic Places. The existing conditions of the historic interiors and exteriors have been carefully surveyed and documented as a preservation plan has been implemented. With review and approval of the Pennsylvania Museum and Historical Commission and the Philadelphia Historical Commission, renovations were split into two phases. During Phase I, wood windows have been repaired and reconstructed where possible and replaced where necessary. Exterior woodwork has been repaired or replaced as needed and painted. Slate roofs have been patched with salvaged slate and deteriorated stucco has been patched and repainted. Phase II of the renovations which includes addition of HVAC, fire sprinkler and alarm systems, structural reinforcement, making the building handicap accessible, and upgrading the architectural and theatrical wiring and lighting is currently being implemented.