Where Craftsmanship Meets Conservation

The Solitude, Philadelphia Zoo

Historic Renovation at the Philadelphia Zoo

A Federal-Style Landmark Built by the Penn Legacy

Building Overview

FAIRMOUNT PARK, PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

Once the private retreat of John Penn, the great-grandson of William Penn, The Solitude is a rare surviving example of Federal-style architecture in Philadelphia. Nestled within the grounds of the Philadelphia Zoo and overlooking the Schuylkill River, this two-and-a-half-story mansion dates back to the late 1700s and reflects early American architectural refinement.

Renovation Focus

Second floor ceiling, repairing extensive water damage

Renovation Focus

Plaster Magic® Solution

1.

Removal of rotten plaster and lath and replacement for a secure substrata

2.

Stabilization and retention of surrounding plaster 

3.

Careful removal and conservation of delicate lime-based stucco ornamentation

4.

Reattachment of original corner ceiling medallion 

5.

Installation of a secure new substrate to ensure longevity and preservation integrity

Preserving American Architectural Heritage 

This project showcases the precision and flexibility of Plaster Magic® solutions for architectural preservation work. Every step of our process was grounded in a deep respect for the building’s history, combining technical precision with conservation expertise. Using our proven plaster repair system and time-tested methodology, we didn’t just stabilize the structure, we safeguarded a piece of American heritage for generations to come.

Person installing drywall on a ceiling in a room under renovation.
Two-story house with a central entrance and two chimneys, surrounded by trees.
Person working on a large circular object with tools and materials around
Decorative stone panel on a table with a person holding a tool in the background
Person applying plaster to a ceiling with a trowel
Two people in white martial arts uniforms lifting a large white object indoors.
Person installing drywall on a ceiling in a room under renovation.
Person applying a white substance to a ceiling
Person on a ladder working on a ceiling repair in a room with white walls.
Person installing drywall on a ceiling in a room under renovation.
Two-story house with a central entrance and two chimneys, surrounded by trees.
Person working on a large circular object with tools and materials around
Decorative stone panel on a table with a person holding a tool in the background
Person applying plaster to a ceiling with a trowel
Two people in white martial arts uniforms lifting a large white object indoors.
Person installing drywall on a ceiling in a room under renovation.
Person applying a white substance to a ceiling
Person on a ladder working on a ceiling repair in a room with white walls.
Person installing drywall on a ceiling in a room under renovation.
Two-story house with a central entrance and two chimneys, surrounded by trees.
Person working on a large circular object with tools and materials around
Decorative stone panel on a table with a person holding a tool in the background
Person applying plaster to a ceiling with a trowel
Two people in white martial arts uniforms lifting a large white object indoors.
Person installing drywall on a ceiling in a room under renovation.
Person applying a white substance to a ceiling
Person on a ladder working on a ceiling repair in a room with white walls.

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