Scout, the design and development firm known for transforming the Bok Building a decade ago, is reimagining another school property beginning with the debut of Frankie’s Summer Club, writes Jenn Ladd for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The developer is once again starting redevelopment with a beer garden, replicating the strategy that worked on its first project.
Frankie’s Summer Club opened in Furness Hall’s courtyard in June. Visitors enter through the newly installed purple archway at 355 S. 15th Street in Center City.
“Even when we were starting to construct the bar [at Frankie’s], we had neighbors coming by and being like, ‘Oh, wow, I’ve lived here for 30 years and I’ve never been inside this courtyard,’ because this was owned by a private institution,” said Scout creative marketing director Kelley Garrard.
Before the opening, operators cleared the overgrowth from the courtyard’s cherry trees. This helped to lighten the dense canopy and create a more open setting. The space can now accommodates up to 250 guests with tables, wraparound benches, and bleachers. Entry requires a quick sign-up on the Frankie’s website, while the bar serves natural wines, spritzes, espresso martinis, and small plates crafted by acclaimed chef Michael Vincent Ferreri.
Read more about how Frankie’s Summer Club came to be in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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