Graham Helps Architect Realize Vision for Philadelphia High-Rise

In a typical opening, Robert A.M. Stern Architects, of New York, wanted two tall, narrow pieces of glass, with a mullion in between and a transom lite above each. Although the tall, narrow lites and the transom lites had to look identical from the outside, some were to be fixed, while others were to be operable via an inswing casement.

“The architect actually designed it around a competitor,” says Bill Wilder, Graham’s director of technical sales, “but we were able to get our foot in the door because it happened to be a configuration that our competitor was struggling to provide.”

According to Wilder, matching the sightlines was especially difficult given an additional design demand. “They wanted a deep beveled return, like an inch-deep, 60-degree angle from the outer face back to the glass. That was the critical factor. And they had to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements.

“We were able to give them exactly what they wanted,” Wilder adds. Graham developed “a hidden casement window,” now known as the GT1000, 2,375 of which are installed in the striking mixed-use structure at 1601 Vine Street.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints owns the building, as well as a nearby meeting house that was completed in Phase 1 of the project. According to Wilder, Graham manufactured “maybe 100” windows for the meeting house.

As for the high-rise, now known as The Alexander, Graham also provided 108 of its GT7700 doors and several curtain wall insert vents.