Kitchen & Associates

Bryon Yoder, LEED AP, and now RA!

KitchenAdmin — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:12:45 +0000

(June 12, 2013) And the good news just keeps on coming this week! Congratulations are in order for K&A Associate Bryon Yoder, LEED AP who just became K&A’s newest licensed Architect!! This achievement represents a incredible level of preparation and dedication and is a testament to one’s commitment to the profession . A hearty congratulations to Bryon for this well-deserved accomplishment!

Mantua: Transformation Plan Concludes, Citizens’ Efforts Continue

KitchenAdmin — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:58:58 +0000

(June 11, 2013) Mantua residents and members of the Mantua Civic Association (MCA) gathered at the West Philadelphia Community Center last night for the unveiling of the We Are Mantua! Transformation Plan.
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K&A welcomes Brian Starkey!

KitchenAdmin — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:53:27 +0000

(June 11, 2013) This week K&A welcomes Brian Starkey to our Architectural staff! He is a graduate of NJIT and joins us with over ten years of experience in the multifamily housing market. He will be working primarily with K&A’s growing Student Housing team. Welcome Brian!

Danielle Sabatelli is now NDICQ Certified!!

KitchenAdmin — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:04:16 +0000

(June 10, 2013) Congratulations to K&A’s newest NCIDQ-certified professional Danielle Sabatelli! NCIDQ is The National Council for Interior Design Qualification which protects public health, safety and welfare by identifying interior designers who have the knowledge and experience to create interior spaces that are not just aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and safe. This test consists of seven content areas: Building Systems, Codes, Construction Standards, Contract Administration, Design Application, Professional Practice, and Project Coordination. This is a huge accomplishment for Danielle and a significant qualification addition to our Interior Design department. Way to go Danielle!

After three years, some success from Camden housing plan

KitchenAdmin — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 18:18:53 +0000

(June 6, 2013)

Three years. $26 million. Seven neighborhoods.

Since 2010, various Camden agencies and groups have been working to improve conditions in those targeted neighborhoods with a large chunk of federal money designated for communities affected by foreclosed and abandoned properties.

A major component of the Camden plan was to stabilize neighborhoods through home ownership. READ MORE

Miller Homes Construction Progress

KitchenAdmin — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 19:55:31 +0000

(June 5, 2013) The redevelopment of Carl Miller Homes, (now known as Rush Crossing), is currently under construction! In June of 2010 Carl Miller Homes in Trenton, NJ was awarded $22 Million in HOPE VI funding. The plan for revitalizing Miller Homes by the Housing Authority of the City of Trenton involves the demolition of 256 severely distressed, vacant units and developing a new mixed-income community with 204 rental units. The City of Trenton and the Trenton Housing Authority identified the Miller Homes site as an integral part of the vision of the City as a whole, tying the new community into the Transit-Oriented Development Plan for the City. Track progress via live webcam HERE.

Pennrose adds The George, New Brunswick, to its high-rise properties

KitchenAdmin — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 14:13:43 +0000

(June 2, 2013) Capitalizing on the growing appeal of downtown New Brunswick and the success achieved at The Vue and Skyline Tower, Pennrose Properties has launched The George, its newest luxury rental building in the heart of New Brunswick’s downtown district.

Kroc Center Field Trip

KitchenAdmin — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 14:55:20 +0000

(May 31, 2013) A group from K&A braved the heat on Friday to visit the Kroc Center construction site in Camden. As of this week 75% of the steel frame is up, and perimeter metal studs are underway, as well as underground piping. Project Manager Keith Peacock, along with Project Architects Nina Simonetti and Dan Stoica led the site tour and answered questions. Stay tuned for ongoing photos as construction progresses – it is such a thrill to see this project take form!

Pitkin Theater Rehabilitation Wins Brooklyn Building Award

KitchenAdmin — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:20:21 +0000

(May 23, 2013) The Pitkin Theater Center in Brookly, NY was awarded a 2013 Building Brooklyn Award by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce in the category of Historic Preservation and Community Development. The awards are given annually to recently completed construction and renovation projects that enrich Brooklyn’s diverse neighborhoods and economy.

The Pitkin Theater – originally constructed in 1929 – underwent a substantial rehabilitation of approximately 170,000 s.f. on 6, above-grade floors and a cellar level. 20,000 square feet of leasable commercial and retail space are available on the ground floor and Ascend Charter School operates and occupies the balance of the building.

Congratulations to developer and owner, POKO Partners, as well as the entire K&A project team for contributing to the new life and growing vitality of Brooklyn’s Pitkin Avenue corridor.

K&A Welcomes Bob Price

KitchenAdmin — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:39:01 +0000

(May 22, 2013) We are pleased to welcome Bob Price to the K&A team. Bob has over over 34 years of experience in electrical project design and documentation for residential, commercial, industrial and institutional projects. He is a welcome addition to our engineering group!

Grand Opening for Marley Meadows

KitchenAdmin — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:38:33 +0000

(May 20, 2013) Thursday, May 16 was the ribbon cutting ceremony for Marley Meadows in Glen Burnie, MD. This 36-unit affordable family housing project through the DHCD tax credit program. The development comprises a total of 3 buildings: 2 buildings over parking and 1 building over community and management space. Situated on a narrow parcel of land, the development was originally conceived by a previous developer to be 36 market-rate apartments. With existing site plan approvals already in place, our design needed to conform to the established footprints. Affordable housing projects are rare in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, though certainly not for lack of demand; Over 1,000 applications were received for the 36 available units. Congratulations to Conifer Realty, Conifer-LeChase, and the entire project team!

Florence E. Green House Grand Opening

KitchenAdmin — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:46:17 +0000

(May 16, 2013) On Tuesday representatives from K&A attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Florence E. Green House – a three-story, 60-unit affordable housing community for seniors in Trevose, PA. The new residence responds to the need for safe, affordable housing for the elderly and provides access to supportive services. The project was built on a wooded lot adjacent to a new single-family development that blends into the existing residential fabric of the surrounding area.

Various amenities provide residents with a blend of spaces for community activities and social interaction as well as personal space for respite and relaxation. They include a community room with kitchenette, exercise room, game room, library, media lounge and computer room, central laundry facilities, meditation room, and wellness office. The building achieved Energy Star Certification, with various sustainable design features including Energy Star labeled mechanical equipment, appliances, lighting, and windows, along with water-conserving plumbing fixtures and low VOC paints. Congratulations to Pennrose Properties, Federation Housing, Domus, Inc., and the entire team on this project opening!

Cedars Village Grand Opening

KitchenAdmin — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:05:53 +0000

(May 10, 2013) A special Grand Opening ceremony was held on Friday for Cedars Village – a senior affordable housing rental community located in the heart of the Italian Market neighborhood in South Philadelphia. Principal-In-Charge Steve Schoch and Project Manager Ray Rebilias were on-hand for the occasion, as well as Philadelphia’s Mayor Nutter, former City Councilman Frank DiCicco, Councilman Mark Squilla, and State Senator Lawrence Farnese. The new, 5-story residence comprises 64, one and two-bedroom apartment homes for those 55 years of age and older who earn no more than 60% of the Philadelphia County area median income. Building amenities include on-site management services and maintenance, resident storage, ENERGY STAR efficiency, gathering space with community kitchen, and a rooftop garden.

Next chapter of New Brunswick begins with The George

KitchenAdmin — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:21:36 +0000

(April 29, 2013) Capitalizing on the growing appeal of downtown New Brunswick and the tremendous success achieved at The Vue and Skyline Tower, Pennrose Properties has launched The George, its newest luxury rental building in the heart of New Brunswick’s downtown district.

Van Sciver Supportive Housing Achieves LEED Gold

KitchenAdmin — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:05:14 +0000

(April 26, 2013) We just received official word from the USGBC that our Van Sciver Supportive Housing Community was approved for LEED Gold Certification under the LEED for Homes rating program. The new residence, which opened in early 2013, provides supportive housing to low-income individuals with mental illness, as well as the chronic homeless in and around the Bergen County area.

Smart growth and sustainable principles also earned the building New Jersey Energy Star Home Certification. Some of these include ENERGY STAR®-rated kitchen appliances, lighting fixtures, HVAC for heating and cooling, pervious paving materials, water efficient low-flow fixtures, and modular construction techniques.

We are thrilled to add another LEED Certification to our portfolio, and we congratulate Vantage Health System, Monarch Housing Associates, MaGrann Associates and the entire project team….well done!

Happy Administrative Professionals Day!

KitchenAdmin — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:03:14 +0000

(April 24, 2013) Happy Administrative Professionals’ Day to Denise Lorenzo, Ruth Weaver, Megan Murray, Roseanne Stoelker, and Sarah Emigh! K&A would not be the same without your dedication and tireless contributions. Thank you for all that you do to keep the K&A engine running smoothly!

Home Plate ceremony held at Kroc Center site

KitchenAdmin — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:55:19 +0000

(April 24, 2013) The Salvation Army in Camden hosted a home plate ceremony for the Baseball Tomorrow Fund to celebrate the start of construction of youth baseball and softball fields at The Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. Check out the Courier Post’s photo album of the event here.

Rush Crossing development transforms site of former Miller Homes in Trenton

KitchenAdmin — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:25:26 +0000

(April 23, 2013) Pipes are being fitted and foundations laid at the new Rush Crossing development, where townhouses and apartments are being built at the former site of a public housing project.

K&A Participates in CANstruction

KitchenAdmin — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:16:44 +0000

(April 15, 2013) K&A participated in the 7th Annual CANstruction Design and Build Competition organized by the AIA Philadelphia Associates Committee to benefit Philadbundance of Philadelphia. Check out CANstruction 2013 and vote for K&A’s Canstructure “Urban CANvas” in the People’s Choice Awards! http://www.philabundance.org/canstruction2011/peopleschoice2013/.

A BIG congrats to K&A’s CANstruction Team: Truman, Al, Melissa, Alfio, Keith J., & Erin for exceeding the initial fundraising goal of $2350. All of these proceeds go directly to Philabundance of Philadelphia.

For photos of K&A’s design and Canstructure process visit our Facebook page.

Ribbon Cutting for Promise House

KitchenAdmin — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:37:47 +0000

(April 10, 2013) Yesterday Steve Schoch and Cyndi DelRossi attended a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony for Promise House – a multifamily residence that provides ten units of affordable, supportive housing for special needs individuals facing homelessness. The building also offers a community room, laundry room, private yard, and office space for management and supportive services.

One of the residents who was on hand for the celebration expressed gratitude for her new home, saying that “a safe, clean & supportive environment for me to heal & grow roots… is an opportunity of a lifetime.” K&A wishes to congratulate Triple C Housing and the entire team on this wonderful project that empowers individuals to live independently and fulfill their utmost potential.

Save the Date for Charter/Independent School Program

KitchenAdmin — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:14:07 +0000

(March 27, 2013) Mark your calendars, and be sure to be part of the discussion as K&A Associate Matt Bartner, AIA, LEED AP joins leaders from MaST Community Charter School, George School, and MIS Capital to discuss trends, opportunities, and challenges related to the development and expansion of charter and independent schools in the Greater Philadelphia region. The event, hosted by the Philadelphia Chapter of SMPS, will be held on Wednesday evening, April 10th in center-city Philadelphia, beginning at 5:00 PM.

Matt, who is the leader of K&A’s K-12 studio and a seasoned expert in sustainable design, will share insights related to innovative planning and design that integrate green design with facilities that provide cheerful, healthy, and functionally-efficient environments for learning.

Registration is now open – visit http://smpsphiladelphia.org/event-2013-04-10/ to join the conversation.

K&A Congratulates New Associates

KitchenAdmin — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 21:02:04 +0000

(February 26, 2013) At K&A we are always pleased to recognize the significant achievements and contributions of our people. In recognition of their exceptional design abilities and demonstrated leadership skills, Keith Peacock, RA and Claire Van Haren have been promoted, and are now Associates with the firm. Join us in congratulating both Keith and Claire on this important achievement!

It’s Official: LEED for Homes LEED Gold for Maple Hills!

KitchenAdmin — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:33:22 +0000

(February 25, 2013) Our client received official word from the USGBC on Friday that our Maple Hills project in Chattanooga, Tennessee was approved for LEED Gold Certification under the LEED for Homes rating program. This is a great milestone for K&A and we congratulate Pennrose and the entire project team….well done!

Qiongwen Kong, LEED-AP!

KitchenAdmin — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 16:32:22 +0000

(February 22, 2013) Congratulations are in order for Qiongwen Kong, K&A’s newest LEED Accredited Professional!! A LEED Professional Credential signifies that you are a leader in the field and an active participant in the green building movement.

Qiongwen’s achievement brings K&A’s total LEED-AP’s to 16; furthering our commitment to the design and construction of buildings and neighborhoods that save energy, use fewer resources, and contribute to healthier environments for their occupants and the community. Congrats Qiongwen!

K&A Named a Top Engineering Firm

KitchenAdmin — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:41:10 +0000

(February 8, 2013) We’re so very pleased to report that, in the current edition of the Philadelphia Business Journal, K&A has been recognized as one of the top ENGINEERING firms in the Philadelphia region. As an organization that has been known primarily as an architectural practice for more than 40 years, it’s a source of great pride for the K&A family that our 3-year-old engineering group is keeping company with the region’s finest.

This honor is reflective of the strong and visionary leadership provided by K&A Principal Steve Finkelman, PE, LEED AP, CEM, who is our Director of Engineering, and K&A Associate Alkesh Taylor, PE, LEED AP. Our engineering team is an energetic, bright, and highly experienced group of engineers and technicians that has proven themselves to be a tremendous asset to our clients, as well as a strong complement to our comprehensive in-house design capabilities. With excellent knowledge and credentials in the disciplines of building systems engineering, combined with cutting edge expertise in sustainable design and energy technology, the K&A engineers are a big part of our firm’s success and bright outlook for the future.

Principal Steve Finkelman speaks on Energy Benchmarking panel

KitchenAdmin — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 21:07:33 +0000

(February 6, 2013) K&A Principal Steve Finkelman, PE, LEED AP, CEM was a expert panelist at yesterday’s Energy and Water Usage Benchmarking program sponsored by the Delaware Valley Green Building Council (DVGBC). The program elaborated on the new Energy Benchmarking & Disclosure legislation in Philadelphia that requires commercial buildings 50,000 s.f. and larger to benchmark energy usage and publicly disclose the results.

Introductions were given by Janet Milkman from the DVGBC and panelists included (L-R) Alex Dews, Policy & Program Manager from the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, John McCullough, General Manager of Ten Penn Center, moderator Laurie Actman, Deputy Director from EEB Hub, Kathy Gilmore, Legislative Aide to Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, and Stephen Finkelman, Principal from K&A. Over 100 registrants attended the sold-out event!

A copy of the presentation can be found HERE.

Additional Information on K&A’s Energy Benchmarking Services can be found HERE.

K&A Participates in HUD Choice Neighborhoods webinar

KitchenAdmin — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 20:13:33 +0000

(February 5, 2013) Associate and Senior Planner Claudia Bitran participated yesterday as a panelist in HUD’s webinar: “Learning from Your Peers: A Conversation with a 2010 Planning Grantee”. The online event kicked-off HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods Technical Assistance series designed to establish a peer-to-peer forum where Choice Neighborhoods grantees can share progress and challenges encountered throughout their planning efforts.

The first session highlighted “We Are Mantua!”, a comprehensive community planning initiative targeting the revitalization of Mt Vernon Manor Apartments and the Mantua neighborhood, in Philadelphia, PA. K&A serves as planning coordinator and planner on that effort.

The panel was presented by Mindy Turbov, CNI director and La Tonya Green, project manager at BCT Partners. Panelists included Claudia Bitran, lead planner for the Mantua CNI effort; Michael Thorpe, Chairman of Mt Vernon Manor Board of Directors and Donna Griffin, community engagement specialist. Key topics addressed included an overview of the planning process, critical aspects of community engagement, the important role of solid partnerships and successful accomplishments to date, including early implementation steps. Over 80 people representing housing authorities, HUD, municipal agencies and private developers attended the webinar.

For more information about HUD Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, visit

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/ph/cn

Congratulations to our Newest Architect Keith Peacock!

KitchenAdmin — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 16:34:26 +0000

(February 4, 2013) Congratulations are in order for K&A’s Keith Peacock who just passed the Architectural Registration Exam!! Achieving professional licensing represents a tremendous level of preparation, hard work and dedication. Please join with us in wishing a hearty congratulations to Keith for an accomplishment well-deserved!!!

Our Engineering & Energy Group Grows

KitchenAdmin — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:31:58 +0000

(January 22, 2013)
We are pleased to welcome Qiongwen Kong as the newest member of our K&A family and Engineering team. Qiongwen holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China and a Masters degree in Environmental Building Design from the University of Pennsylvania. She will focus primarily on K&A’s energy & sustainable engineering projects. Welcome!

Ridgewood Avenue receives Project of the Year Award

KitchenAdmin — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 19:08:57 +0000

(December 12, 2012) The Ridgewood Avenue Supportive Apartments received the Supportive Housing Project of the Year Award at the Supportive Housing Association (SHA) of New Jersey’s Annual Conference. Ridgewood Avenue provides 21 independent living apartments and support services for people who were formerly homeless and/or struggle with mental illness.

Pictured below (l-r) are K&A’s Steve Schoch and Cyndi Del Rossi, and Sangeeta Prasad Benbow, Director of Housing & Community Development for Project Live and Raul Mendes, Executive Director.

Congratulations to Project Live and the entire project team for this well-deserved recognition.