SITIO principal Andrew Ferrarelli was a featured panelist at CSI Philadelphia Chapter’s ‘Grill Series’ for a discussion on "Fast Track Documentation and Management." This candid and insightful conversation delved into the realities of construction when things don’t go as planned. During the discussion, Andrew addressed the challenges of fast-track project timelines and the critical coordination between architects, engineers, contractors, and other professional consultants in the industry.
architecture
ANDREW FERRARELLI GUEST JUROR FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Andrew Ferrarelli, principal at SITIO, served as a guest juror for Habitat for Humanity of Chester County’s "Build a House, Build a Dream" competition. In this event, 5th-grade students created designs for their dream homes, presenting their concepts through 3D models, drawings, and sketches. The competition aimed to raise awareness about the need for affordable housing in the Delaware Valley and to garner support for homebuilding programs while providing students with an introduction to Habitat for Humanity's mission. Andrew was impressed by the students' enthusiasm, creativity, and critical thinking, which were evident in their innovative designs.


LA JOYA GARDENS AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT OPENS IN DETROIT
SITIO’s La Joya Gardens marked its much-anticipated opening with a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony. The mixed-use affordable housing development in Detroit’s Southwest neighborhood breathes new life into its block-long site along the Vernor corridor – down the street from Ford’s emerging Mobility Innovation District.
The 53-unit building provides affordable and market-rate apartments, incubator space, and retail. Gracing the streetscape are lush, landscaped plazas connected by a vibrant community pavilion that creates an inviting place for community gathering and events. Developed through a public-private partnership between Cinnaire Solutions, the Southwest Detroit Business Association, and the City of Detroit, this project adds thoughtful density to the area while blending modern design with the neighborhood's existing character through an artful collage of volumes and color.
"What had been a vacant lot along the main commercial corridor in Southwest Detroit is now a beautiful mixed-use building that adds a significant number of affordable housing units for this area," said Mayor Mike Duggan. "This is how we are making sure that as our neighborhoods come back, longtime residents know they can afford to stay and enjoy this revitalization."
To learn more about La Joya visit:
https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/la-joya-gardens-affordable-housing-detroit/
ANTONIO FIOL-SILVA PRESENTS AT BUILDING MUSEUM SYMPOSIUM 2024
Antonio Fiol-Silva, the Founding Principal of SITIO, presented a session at the recent 'Building Museums Symposium 2024,' organized by the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums. The session, titled 'The Cultural Heart of the Barrio: Taller Puertorriqueno’s Place in Community,' featured the creation of Taller Puertorriqueno, a new 25,000 square foot facility that acted as a catalyst for fresh investments in its North Philadelphia neighborhood.
The discussion centered on the 7-year journey following the inauguration of the new building, offering valuable insights into its evolution, expansion, and the critical role of leadership. This narrative of success was deeply intertwined with the unwavering support of the community, extending far beyond the immediate vicinity of the institution.
Antonio was joined by:
Eduardo Diaz, the former Director of the Smithsonian Latino Center
Dr. Carmen Febo San Miguel, Former Executive Director, Taller Puertorriqueno
SITIO'S 'THE CLARK' BUILDING HIGHLIGHTED
The latest NakedPhilly review profiled ‘The Clark’, designed by SITIO and developed by EQT Exeter. The Clark integrates a transit oriented, multi-family development in the thriving University City neighborhood of Philadelphia. The article states ‘The design here is fantastic, with the massing taking its cues from the neighboring school and the facade following suit as well.’
To read more click here!
SITIO FEATURED IN CONTEXT MAGAZINE
SITIO was showcased in the winter edition of AIA Philadelphia’s ‘Context Magazine’. SITIO’s project, The Penn Drexel Newman Center, was featured for its thoughtful architectural approach in blending new and existing structures with the newly created plaza and garden open spaces. The article also highlighted the project’s successful public-private partnership involving the collaboration of multiple institutions and private developer, EQT Exeter.
Moreover, SITIO's Founding Principal, Antonio Fiol-Silva, was recognized in the same issue for receiving the esteemed John Frederick Harbeson Award from AIA Philadelphia. This prestigious accolade honored his longstanding and impactful contributions to the architectural profession, the AIA, and the broader Philadelphia community.
SITIO’S ANDREW FERRARELLI NAMED TO AIA PHILADELPHIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SITIO’s Studio Director, Andrew Ferrarelli, was recently appointed to AIA Philadelphia’s Board of Directors. AIA Philadelphia, the second oldest AIA chapter in the U.S., boasts over 1,800 architects and 250+ architecture firms. As an at-large Board Director, Andrew is dedicated to enhancing design, advancing knowledge, and advocating for architecture's value.
As former presidents of the AIA Philadelphia board, Antonio and Karen are excited by Andrew's recent appointment, applauding his passionate leadership and the positive prospects it brings for the design community and Philadelphia.
SITIO'S ANTONIO FIOL-SILVA JOINS PHILADELPHIA MAYORAL TRANSITION ADVISORY BOARD
Antonio Fiol-Silva, the Founding Principal of SITIO, remains actively involved in civic engagement, contributing his leadership to the City of Philadelphia as a member of the transition team for Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker. The mission: crafting policies that turn promises into reality, making Philly the safest, cleanest, greenest city in the nation with economic opportunity for all! #OnePhilly
SITIO FOUNDING PRINCIPAL ANTONIO FIOL-SILVA RECEIVES HARBESON AWARD
SITIO Founding Principal, Antonio Fiol-Silva, received the prestigious John Frederick Harbeson Award from the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). This award is presented to a long-standing member of the architectural community recognizing significant career contributions to the architectural profession, the AIA, the education of the architectural community, and contributions to the Philadelphia community at large.
Antonio's achievements include multiple local and national AIA and ULI design awards. He has played crucial roles in the Urban Land Institute, serving as a Global Governing Trustee, juror for the ULI Global Awards of Excellence, and District Council Chair of the Philadelphia ULI Chapter. He has also served as President of AIA Philadelphia and President of the Center for Architecture. Antonio is highly sought after for his guidance and expertise, serving or having served multiple Boards and Commissions including: the Association for Public Art, the Delaware River Port Authority, the Philadelphia Historical Commission, the Center City Development Corporation, and the Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs.
As Founding Principal of SITIO, Antonio has created a platform for design excellence, providing hands-on leadership and mentorship across various project scales, from architecture to urban planning. His commitment to excellence has led to the successful completion of complex high-rise towers and socially impactful projects in Philadelphia and across the country.
Click below to see the video presented at the awards ceremony!
SITIO RECEIVES AIA PENNSYLVANIA SILVER MEDAL AWARD
SITIO was thrilled to receive the 2023 AIA Pennsylvania Silver Medal for Architectural Excellence in Design Award for the 2500 League Island Boulevard building. Developed by Gattuso Development Partners, this 130,000 sf life sciences GMP manufacturing facility is focused on serving production needs while offering an imageable presence. Uniquely located off I-95 with close proximity to the Philadelphia International Airport and Center City, 2500 League Island Boulevard stands to build on the revitalization of the Navy Yard and its history as a place of production and innovation.
To hear comments from the jury please click on the video below:
FOUR SITIO PROJECTS NAMED FINALIST FOR AIA PENNSYLVANIA ARCHITECTURAL EXCELLENCE DESIGN AWARDS
SITIO was recently named a Finalist for the 2023 AIA Pennsylvania Architectural Excellence Design Awards for four projects:
2500 League Island Blvd, Navy Yard, Philadelphia, PA
The Box Factory Lofts, Fishtown, Philadelphia, PA
La Joya Gardens, Mexicantown, Detroit, MI
The Chestnut, University City, Philadelphia, PA
Winners will be announced on November 16th!
'THE CLARK' FEATURED IN PHILADELPHIA MAGAZINE
SITIO's multi-family residential project, 'The Clark,' has been recently showcased in Philadelphia Magazine – find the full story here. This University City project comprises 327 units and is situated on the same block as the grand West Catholic Preparatory High School. Developed by EQT Exeter and built by Intech Construction, the building opened to its first residents this fall.