MaST II Community Charter School

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Firm

EwingCole

Client

MaST Community Charter School

Area

59,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$15,000,000

Completion Date

09/2019

Halkin/Mason Photography, LLC

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Founded in 1999 and now serving 4,500 students, this Philadelphia charter school is recognized for its unique approach, which incorporates art and robotic design into science, technology, engineering, and math curriculum. To accommodate a growing student population and provide an exceptional list of extracurriculars, the design needed to engage with the surrounding environment. MaST acquired 19 acres on a former industrial site on the banks of the Delaware River that provides striking views of the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge. The exterior, with its grey corrugated metal panels and yellow composite metal paneling, is reminiscent of stacked cargo containers and pays homage to the site’s rich maritime commercial history.

Phase 1 of the project is positioned to provide the maximum space needed to create both an additional building as well as outdoor learning spaces for Northeast Philadelphia students. The first phase of MaST II Tacony opened at capacity, housing 600 students in about 30 classrooms, complete with specialized learning spaces to accommodate a modernized STEM education program.