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The Farmers & Mechanics Bank designed by John Gries in 1857 is listed on the Philadelphia Historic Register for its technically advanced iron truss-supported roof and sanitary, heating, and ventilation systems. Programming and feasibility studies led to a master plan for converting the Italian Renaissance style building into an archival library and conference center for the American Philosophical Society. Renamed Benjamin Franklin Hall, it now occupies three buildings centered around Independence Hall in and alongside of the Independence National Historical Park.
In the first phase of construction, five levels of steel structure were inserted within the building’s three-level masonry shell to accommodate high-density stacks for archival storage. The marble facade was meticulously restored, windows were replaced, and special mechanical and electrical systems were installed. The second phase focused on the central portion of the building, where the existing ground floor was replaced and the deteriorated triple-height banking room was re-configured as a bi-level, 400-seat performance/lecture hall with an additional floor for library stacks inserted above. A lounge, toilet rooms, and catering facilities to support use of the space as a conference center were also provided.
