Supports that were added to the building during the 1980s preservation efforts at Carpenters’ Hall. Image courtesy of Tom Crane.

Supports that were added to the building during the 1980s preservation efforts at Carpenters’ Hall. Image courtesy of Tom Crane.

 

Once in a generation…

This is your chance to play a role in a once-in-a-generation effort to ensure the preservation of Carpenters’ Hall. The Hall, constructed in 1774, has stood as a monument to the contributions of Philadelphia’s builders and craftsmen for nearly 250 years. Carpenters’ Hall was constructed to house The Carpenters’ Company of the City and County of Philadelphia- a trade guild built in a dazzling late 18th century Georgian style for the master builders whose contributions led to the original built landscape of the city. Almost as soon as construction on Carpenters’ Hall finished, The Company hosted The First Continental Congress in its four walls. Over 6 weeks in 1774, that key meeting laid the groundwork for what would become American Democracy.

For members of the GBCA, the connection to Carpenters’ Hall could not be deeper. In fact, the General Building Contractors Association traces its very origins to The Carpenters’ Company. In 1891, the GBCA was established as a spin off group from The Carpenters’ Company. The Company’s focus had become the preservation and maintenance of historic Carpenters’ Hall.

GBCA maintains a close relationship to The Carpenters’ Company to this very day, and several GBCA members can be found among the ranks of The Carpenters’ Company, including: Charlie Cook, Michael Erickson, Todd Lofgren, Chris Beck, Maura Hesdon, David Panichi, Fran Pietrini, Steve Pouppirt, Phil Radomski, Craig Sabatino, Emily Bittenbender, Joe Clearkin, Pat Pasquariello, Bill Cobb, Mack Stulb, Bob Macintosh and Tony Naccarato.

Carpenters’ Hall is part of America’s legacy, it’s part of Philadelphia’s legacy and it’s part of the legacy of the GBCA. The GBCA board has approved a special allocation of $50,000 to support this essential preservation project. Further, the board has approved a further $50,000 to be granted if GBCA member firms commit a combined total of $50,000. This would bring the total contribution to an incredible $150,000.

We hope you join your other colleagues who have already contributed to our efforts to preserve Carpenters’ Hall.