Make that 3 more registered architects!

Our latest happy architects

You might recall Blake's gross beard. You might recall his unusually gruff personality lately. Well, we're proud to say Blake is back to his old self. After months of agonizing over his exams, he became our office's latest registered architect.  He joins Marissa and Sam, who have also passed all their exams in the past month or so.  The weird thing is, they all near each other in the office. Something in the water over there? Maybe. Cheaters? Impossible.  They just have great support for one another and are always encouraging.  Look at that love!

Annual JKR Phillies Outing

Some new Threads for everyone! a new tradition.

A motley crew

The Rooches, Diana and Greg.

Sean keeping his fivehead free from sunburn.

It's not all work and no play around here, although it may seem like that.  We really do work hard.  We just need some recuperation days to reconnect with our colleagues and have some fun. It's been 8 or 9 years now that we've closed down the office for the afternoon and have gone to the Phillies game for a business persons special.  Then, as always, we head down to our favorite dive bar Bob and Barbara's and get the other kind of special... A beer and a shot. This year we had another beautiful day and actually saw the Phils win a game for a change! Check out all the photos on our Facebook page.

Passing Tests!

Friday was a huge success for JKR's aspiring architects. We were four for four in ARE exams taken and passed!  Blake and Greg passed Schematic Design. Tim passed Construction Documents, and Zach passed Programming & Practice. These tests aren't easy, but we've got a smart young staff, and we're knockin' tests down left and right. 

Point Breeze project moving along

View from Capitol Street

A week or so ago you may have read about our latest project planned for Point Breeze in Naked Philly.  There have been tons of comments both good and bad about the project, either way, we're excited about the project and can't wait to get it started.  If last night's design review meeting with South Philadelphia H.O.M.E.S is any indication, the project was very well received. Can anyone say standing ovation? The project replaces an old warehouse with 50 new single family homes. We really tried to be contextual with the neighboring buildings, by matching materials and heights, while still giving the houses their own contemporary identity.  Let us know what you think.

Welcome to Walgreens?

Blake here:  On the last day of July in 2013 Philadelphia opened the doors to a new breed of Walgreens, and the first of its kind in the state of Pennsylvania.  Located at the corner of Broad and Chestnut Streets welcome to Walgreens on steroids.  I mean when was the last time you got fro yo at a Walgreens?  Or used a digital interface to see how a certain makeup would look on your gorgeousness before you made the purchase, ladies?  Well you can here.

Then - as Borders

Previously this was a place to feed the mind as Borders.  Now you can feed it all with food, cosmetics, reading materials, and medication within the newly renovated 3-story space.  And to add to the Philadelphia experience inside you'll find areas dedicated to local favorites such as the Crayola, Philadelphia Water Ice, Hershey's, Center City Pretzel, and Just Born companies.  Check it out for yourself, this is no ordinary Walgreens.

JKRP 2013 Softball Season Opener

Blake here - After coming off a dominating performance in the preseason JKR Partners took the field last evening for the 2013 season/home opener.  They couldn’t have started it off any better scoring runs in every inning leading to a team record high of 32 runs and the most deliciously sweet taste of victory.  Maybe it was the life force in those bats, maybe it was the heart of each player combining like Voltron into one really big team heart, or maybe it was the fact that they actually looked like team in their fresh new jerseys, whatever the reason it doesn’t really matter.  At the end of the day the team’s spirit and enthusiasm reached a new high after last year’s winless season.  Thanks to the swinging power of newcomer Cory Slahta, the exponentially increasing skill level of the returning Miss Katherine “Katie” Brill, and those great looking new uniforms the future is bright for this squad.  The shock and awe campaign has just begun.    

   

    

FIRM CRAWL @ JKRP!

PhilaNOMA's first (and now probably annual) Firm Crawl went off without a hitch!

I can honestly say that I was a little pessimistic in thinking that we would only get about 5 or so students - especially after such a long afternoon of crawling already (we were about number 4 on the list of firms to visit)

And then it rained.
And then they were delayed.
And then someone said the pretzels were going to get stale.
And then I yelled at Sean for eating a pretzel.

But nevertheless at around 4:45 there were almost 30 students from Temple, UPenn, Drexel and Philly U in our elevator lobby - eager and ready to learn all about our home away from home - JKR Partners!

SPECIAL THANKS to Jose for being the visionary of the 'three ring circus' aka Firm Crawl - Open House at JKR Partners...
Natalya for putting the 'swag' packages together.

Tram Fun - Marissa, Sam, and Blake for the refreshments..

The 412 Lux Design Team. (Jose, Blake, Steve)

The Starplex Design Team. (Mike F.)

The SouthStar Design Team. (Zach, Mike I.)

Kim for putting up with a full house of folks hovering around her desk..

Dave for sharing his oratory skills with the group..ANDLast but certainly not least the entire staff of JKRP for your hospitality during this event....

Cobbs Creek Grand Opening

Blake's remodel.

This is what Cobbs Creek looked like a few months ago.

Action News reporting the good news!

West Philly is getting a facelift.  Dave and Blake have been working diligently for the past few months on the Cobbs Creek Shopping Center at 63rd and Baltimore Ave revamping their existing facades.  It's time had come.  Our good friend Pat Burns who owns and operates the Fresh Grocers and a few Save-a-lots is responsible for this upgrade.  So, they brought out the big guns for the ground breaking, which wasn't much of a ground breaking per se since it is a remodel, but it's still important to get the good word out; and that's what we're doing here.  Good job fellas.

Building is Back!

Lawrence Street.  4 units.  Sam and Jose worked on this one. It's all done.

North 5th Street.  22 units. Should be done in a few months.

1247 Crease Street. Greg and Jose worked on this bad boy.  7 houses. Should be done in 6 months.

Manayunk Hills.  12 units, Jason and Steve slam dunked this one. Maybe 3 months out.

Manayunk Hills.  Getting there. 

we've done a lot right? This one is at 8th and Christian. All done. 18 units.

Queens Walk.  16 units. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that it's pretty nice inside.

More Queens Walk in Queens Village.

This one is the latest.  412 N. Front Street.  32 units.  Should be done in a few months.

 Building is Back.  Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.  We've been cranking out townhouses this past year like it's our job.  Mostly because it IS our job. Jose and his crew have been hard at work developing a ton of new housing stock in the Northern Liberties and Fishtown areas of the city.  We've got a few in the pipeline and a few in various stages of construction.  Check'em out

Building Continuing Relationships

Blake Here: Thanks to a most generous Tom Donnelly of Quinn Construction some of us JKR peoples enjoyed the lap of luxury at last night’s Phillies game.  The seats were cushioned, the food and drinks were endless, and some man-servant named Steve accommodated our every request to ensure maximum joy.  And a joyous occasion it was as the Phillies did not disappoint, edging out the Marlins by 2 in a suspenseful performance that resulted in a total of 16 runs and 26 hits between the two teams.  This victory finally brought our hometown heroes to an even record of 71-71 while the current 6-game win streak increases the possibility of some post-season game play.  On behalf of the JKR attendees I’d like to say thanks again to Mr. Donnelly for the tickets to last night’s game, some fresh Quinn Construction tees, the discussion regarding the importance of blogging, and some high-fives in honor of last night’s glorious achievement….I think we’re good luck, we should do this again sometime in the near future.  

"Sacrifice the body for the team"

Jen here.  For the first annual JKR Scavenger Hunt, Team Paul did not skip a beat.  You want us to pose like mannequins?  You got it.  You want us to jump into the fountain at Love Park?  Done.  Our entire team (Paul, Terra, Tim, Blake and I) jumped enthusiastically into 'team mode' without a second of hesitation.  We may not have been so great with the pigeons, but we definitely made the day more exciting for several very lucky statues.  Thank you so much to Team Fun for organizing one of the most enjoyable office outings imaginable!

Third Thirsty Thursday

It's finally starting to catch on as a tradition around here, and this time we had a bunch of new guests with us.  All the new employees made it out to the bar we affectionately know as The Pub.  We're getting back into the habit of heading over to our favorite local watering hole on the third Thursday of the month. One time we played Pictionary... most times we just drink and eat every item containing cheese on the menu.  This picture only tells half the story, meaning half the people are behind the camera. I am starting get the itch for the annual JKR Partners Phils outing. Ah good times. On a side note, I am getting addicted to Instagram.

Mustache Day 2012

JKR Partners is growing....growing mustaches. We've come a long way since last year.
And yes, I am wearing the same shirt as last year. It's my mustache shirt.

SLICKEST DOLLAR GENERAL EVER

 
Blake Here: So the fences are down, the porta potties have departed, and Sedgley Plaza is now open for business.  Blanketed in a vibrant copper colored standing seam metal panel this new 20,000 square foot center is located at 2815 Ridge Avenue in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood of Philadelphia.  Currently Dollar General is the sole performer, and you can quote me, alongside the one Mrs. Tiffany Millner we created the slickest outfitted Dollar General ever, just look at that amazing body of materials and combination of textures...am I wrong?...and please don't assume the box sign was our idea...Anyway there is 10,000 square feet of space remaining and Sedgley is eager to welcome additional businesses and life to the area.  You know anyone looking to open shop?  Feel free to contact Bryan Perchick or Pat Heron at Legend Properties Commercial Real Estate.  Thanks for your time

Fun fact of the day - the pattern for the standing seam metal was derived from the Mortal Kombat blood code for the Sega Genesis game system: A-B-A-C-A-B-B.