G r a y R a n g e
Haverford, PA
Principal Architect: Spence R. Kass
Israel D. Smith, AIA was Project Architect while employed at Kass Architects, Philadelphia, PA
Project Team: Robert Pistilli, David Nordone, Kinan Fadl Zaitoun
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Once owned by the President of the Pennsylvania Railroad, "Gray Range" is one of the most prestigious estates of Philadelphia's historic Main Line. It was constructed in 1889 and designed by Philadelphia Architects Baily & Truscott.
Israel Smith was responsible for organizing the work of the project team in close collaboration with Principal Architect Spence Kass. Exhaustive survey and documentation of existing conditions was carried out. The job proceeded on a fast-track delivery process and much of the construction documentation was completed as a series of small format drawings. In addition to the various incremental construction drawing packages, team members were each assigned specific areas of work to develop in detail from early on in the project. Iin this way, the desired level of quality was maintained despite an aggressive design and construction schedule.
The client desired a spacious and light-filled addition that would compliment the existing building. This was achieved with matching materials and detailing in wood, stucco, stone and roof tile. The massing of the addition departs from the formality of the original house and introduces new elements such as copper clad round dormers, oval windows and a lantern cupola corwning a three-story space.
The existing house was completely restored to its to its original splendor.