Burk-Bergman Boathouse
Philadelphia, PA
The University of Pennsylvania’s Burk-Bergman Boathouse rehabilitation is a significant investment in preserving and augmenting a key structure along Philadelphia’s cherished historic Boathouse Row. At the start of the project, the design team, working with the university’s leadership, recognized the importance of the boathouse: its success would not only bolster Penn athletics and recruiting but would also help to protect the legacy of Boathouse Row and affirm Penn’s past, present, and future contribution to the sport of rowing.
The design features a modest and sensitive addition to the existing second floor, adding 2,400 SF of space while preserving the exterior’s overall historic character and appearance. The addition “unlocked” the floor plan, allowing a much more efficient and pleasing use of the 16,000 total SF within the existing building footprint. A wholesale reconfiguration of the interior provides accessible, equitable, and modern facilities that are consistent with those of other competitive collegiate rowing programs.
Design Goals:
- Increase functionality and usable space.
- Bolster recruiting and showcase Penn Rowing.
- Balance the amenities allocated for men’s and women’s rowing programs.
- Improve accessibility for all occupants.
- Provide space for socializing and special events.
- Remediate deterioration of the structure and create a resilient facility for future use.
- Preserve and rehabilitate a historic landmark.
Boathouse Row is a National Historic Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. The boathouse, known as the College Boat Club Boat House, was built in 1874, with additions constructed in 1920, c.1930, and 1980. It sits centrally within the iconic vista often photographed from across the Schuylkill River. The project presented the opportunity to address challenges with unique solutions and strategies in design and execution.
Specific original details, such as the scalloped drip edges, were not restored during the restoration of the 1874 pavilion, as no modifications were planned for those areas. The shed dormers facing the river, added in 1930 and 1980, were transformed into discreet, inset balconies, a modification supported by the Philadelphia Historic Commission. The generic boat bay garage doors were replaced with fiberglass, flood-resistant overhead doors that resembled the three-panel wood doors seen in early photographs.
The original balconies were lost or replaced multiple times from 1874 to 1930. The design team recreated the balconies, drawing inspiration from scant photographic evidence and basic digital forensics to recreate their earliest style.
A Working Artifact
Given Boathouse Row’s landmark status, it was paramount that the design team and owner successfully balance the integrity of the historic fabric with practical solutions for everyday use.
Massing & Structural Integration
The exterior was modified to accommodate a limited expansion within the existing building’s footprint, minimizing visual impact and respecting the building’s historic character.
During geotechnical investigation and structural surveys, it was determined that the east bay, built in 1920 and expanded in 1930, was structurally compromised. Failing foundations and excessive differential settlement threatened the integrity of that section as well as the connected 1874 structure. This portion of the boathouse was documented and carefully reconstructed to match existing exterior conditions.
Several unusual structural systems were used to ensure its longevity and improve its utility. Below grade, deep foundations using helical piles and grade beams safeguard the integrity of the new structure. These systems help address the poor soil conditions plaguing many buildings along Boathouse Row. They provide proper bearing capacity for the new work while avoiding more invasive systems that could cause cracking or vibration in the 1874 foundations or those of adjacent boathouses. A robust poured-in-place concrete frame replaces the 1920 wood frame and bearing wall construction.
The reimagined arrival sequence and plan configuration afford improved amenities and programs for athletes and coaches, while offering the ability to host events, whether rowing-related or other social functions, thereby expanding the facility’s utility to a broader community at Penn and beyond.
Reconfigured program spaces include a soaring entrance lobby featuring trophies, memorabilia, and exposed trusses previously covered by ceilings. The double-height space was previously programmed as a single-story entry, with toilets and showers stacked above. The original pavilion featured four tripartite windows, one set prominently anchoring each façade. By relocating the second-floor showers, the entry opens to the level above and focuses on the existing tripartite window and exposed materials.
A New Place to Learn & Train
By relocating the men’s lockers to the east bay, the overall reconfiguration of the Grand Hall celebrates the original 1874 Boat Bay. The rehabilitation creates a much-needed sense of place for the students and coaches.
“It’s somewhere student-athletes want to be. It’s a warm, welcoming place that they enjoy, whether for doing homework or socializing. Now, people want to stay there after practice or get there earlier. It’s a huge improvement.”
– Noah Gustkey, Associate Athletic Director of Facilities, University of Pennsylvania
Recruiting & Teaching
The renovated coaches’ room enables recruiting, provides lockers for coaches of all genders, and creates a flexible office space and environment to teach. The windows are reconfigured to bi-fold doors with a balcony, allowing for direct connectivity among the coaches, the athletes, and the water.
The Erg Room
Expanded to accommodate larger team workouts and host special events, the new ergometer room is enhanced by a panoramic view of the river, skylights providing ambient daylight, and an exposed structural system. A dramatic tensile steel superstructure caps the new second-story space within the reconstructed 1920 and 1930 additions. This innovative system, visible only from the interior, allows for a clear span within the erg/event space while maintaining the historical expression and form of the river-facing gabled roof and dormer.
The second-floor infill between the Kelly Drive and Schuylkill River roof gables allowed a significant expansion of functional interior space without compromising the historic character and only minimally impacting the apparent building volume. To passers-by, the increased volume is only visible from Kelly Drive. The glass doors connect occupants with the Schuylkill River for a dynamic open-air training and recreation experience.
Divine Details
While much of the interior renovation involves the significant reconfiguration of partitions, finishes, and even structural framing, little of the original features remained in the boathouse and its additions. The design team recognized the importance of preserving historical elements wherever possible and adapted the design to incorporate them.
The King Truss
Compromised by uplift, cracking, and rot, the ornate king post trusses in the 1874 roof were repaired using discrete steel plates and by splicing new long-leaf pine framing. The old trusses were reinforced and secured discreetly to preserve the space’s character.
The new steel trusses in the addition are intended to serve as a dramatic and contemporary counterpoint. As a key part of the interior architecture of the addition, the inverted queen post trusses are both functional and symbolic. They represent the progress and incorporation of modern systems and materials in the venerable sport of rowing, which has evolved from traditional lofted construction with veneers to the use of advanced composites and alloys.
The Window
The original pavilion featured four tripartite windows, one set prominently anchoring each façade. During earlier additions and modifications, these were either relocated or removed. Early planning studies replaced these windows with a doorway. Still, working with Penn, the design team restored and transformed the damaged exterior façade into a dynamic remnant of the old boathouse, turning the windows into a two-sided display case for trophies and awards. Preserving and adapting the existing windows as a trophy case provides a metaphorical window to both the past and the future.
Designing for Everyone
Our communities have always been diverse and have unique needs. To ensure that everyone equitably benefits from their education experience, we continue to rethink how and where we utilize universal design strategies.
The most visible evidence of a contemporary attitude towards inclusivity is on display within the Grand Hall. An updated display of artifacts, trophies, and team history balances the focus among all participants and eras. For the first time, the facility provides equal space and accommodations for women’s rowing, supporting the same number of student-athletes as the men’s teams. A fully accessible gender-neutral locker and shower room supports all athletes and visitors. The renovation incorporates an ADA-compliant two-story elevator, discreetly positioned behind an existing brick chimney – the first of its kind along Boathouse Row.
The Boathouse was submerged during Hurricane Ida in 2021 while under construction. The boat bay garage doors facing the river were replaced with new overhead doors made of fiberglass, which will protect against weather and future flooding.
Operational Resilience & Sustainability
The design incorporates features to mitigate the impact of climate change and flooding. Pressure-activated flood vents at the lower level allow water to enter and recede without structural compromise. Durable materials such as fiberglass, phenolic resin, and concrete are used on lower levels while building systems are elevated to reduce damage risk. The strategy was validated during Hurricane Ida in 2021, which caused flooding at the site and halted construction.
