The Clients contacted Cecil Baker + Partners to reconfigure and remodel the top floor of a prominent Philadelphia high-rise into an urban pied-a-terre. The forty-five story apartment building, overlooking Washington Square Park and its surrounding neighborhoods, provided a modern shell for this truly contemporary renovation. Originally configured as three penthouse units, the 8,700 sf interior, as well as 2,500 square feet of terrace space, was to become a single residence with sweeping views of the city in all directions. The Client’s mission was to create a city home for collecting and displaying contemporary glass crafts. Their stated desire was to cast an urban home that was, in itself, a gallery. While they enjoy a very vital family life, this home was targeted to their urban activities - entertainment being a central element. The living areas are designed to be open and to flow into each other, with pockets of secondary functions. At large social events, guests feel free to access all areas of the penthouse, including the master bedroom suite. A main gallery was created in order to house unique, travelling art shows. Stemming from their desire to entertain, the penthouse was built around the need for elaborate food preparation. Cooking would be visible from several entertainment areas with a “show” kitchen, provided for their renowned chef. Secondary preparation and cleaning facilities were tucked away. The architects crafted a distinctive residence that is framed around the gallery experience, while also incorporating softer residential moments. Cecil Baker + Partners embraced every element of the new penthouse design beyond those normally associated with an architect’s sphere, from all material selections, furniture selections, furniture design, and art placement. Barry Halkin and Todd Mason Photography

David Burroughs
Mountain style galley kitchen photo in Baltimore with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, stone tile backsplash and an island

There are many challenges in Milwaukee commercial exterior painting. With such a wide variety of building fascia materials requiring different coatings, materials and application equipment, there are varying environmental and atmospheric conditions to deal with and elaborate equipment required to complete many of the jobs. Hi-rise buildings need staging, weatherproofing, special machinery and applicator lifts to reach all surfaces. One of the toughest challenges is the requirement to complete the Milwaukee commercial exterior painting project while the business or government office is in continuous operation. All of this requires professionalism, experience, expertise and knowledge that can only be gained by years of work with the diverse coatings and equipment that is necessary to complete large exterior commercial painting projects. Richmond Painting is regularly selected by facility owners and general contracting firms. For the right commercial exterior painting job, we’ll travel as far south as Libertyville, IL and as far north as Mequon, WI. From where we are centrally located in Racine, WI, Richmond Commercial Painting dispatches professional crews and equipment to paint commercial building exteriors throughout the area. Commercial Exterior Painting ServicesAt Richmond Commercial Painting our professionals are available to assist with every aspect of the exterior commercial painting project, from planning, to design, to budgeting, to application and completion. With a solid record of projects completed on time and within budget, our expertise will make any job move like a well-oiled machine; smoothly and quietly. Whether the job requirements are for using elastomeric coatings to weatherproof masonry exterior walls, applying two-part epoxies, spraying high-solids paint for protecting exposed metal, or any of the other specialty architectural coatings, we have the experience, equipment and highly trained personnel to satisfactorily complete the project. We can also tap a network of competent tuck-and- point subcontractors to repair any joints, corners or sprawls in brick or masonry. Our experienced project managers provide their years of background in all types of exterior coatings jobs to make every commercial painting project a successful joint venture with the owner, architect-designer and/or general contractor. We effectively dovetail our portion of the project with those of the other trades, contributing to a smooth “critical flow” on the job. Our portfolio of successfully completed projects includes all types of commercial exterior painting projects: hotels, hi-rise office buildings, factories, warehouses, industrial parks, schools, churches, apartment buildings and just about every other type of commercial facility you can find around Milwaukee. Our clients have learned that with the professional, commercial exterior painting services provided by Richmond Painting, Inc., a job done right the first time saves money over one that requires a number of return visits to the job to touch-up or correct flaws. Keeping that in mind, we’ve found that it really costs no more in the long run to hire the very best.

Four stories is a long way to travel, and this staircase makes every level count. Seattle-style steel stringers from the Prestige Metal line carry the structure with industrial honesty, not hidden behind walls but celebrated as part of the design. Vertical metal bars reinforce that rhythm, while riserless white oak treads appear to float as they rise, light and shadow playing beneath them at every turn. The oak elements do more than add warmth, they add an organic balance. A white oak handrail caps the metal balustrade, and the shift from steel to wood under your hand transforms the daily climb into something quietly pleasant. Four stories of steel and oak, working in concert to create something architecturally bold and comfortable for daily life. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Four stories is a long way to travel, and this staircase makes every level count. Seattle-style steel stringers from the Prestige Metal line carry the structure with industrial honesty, not hidden behind walls but celebrated as part of the design. Vertical metal bars reinforce that rhythm, while riserless white oak treads appear to float as they rise, light and shadow playing beneath them at every turn. The oak elements do more than add warmth, they add an organic balance. A white oak handrail caps the metal balustrade, and the shift from steel to wood under your hand transforms the daily climb into something quietly pleasant. Four stories of steel and oak, working in concert to create something architecturally bold and comfortable for daily life. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Four stories is a long way to travel, and this staircase makes every level count. Seattle-style steel stringers from the Prestige Metal line carry the structure with industrial honesty, not hidden behind walls but celebrated as part of the design. Vertical metal bars reinforce that rhythm, while riserless white oak treads appear to float as they rise, light and shadow playing beneath them at every turn. The oak elements do more than add warmth, they add an organic balance. A white oak handrail caps the metal balustrade, and the shift from steel to wood under your hand transforms the daily climb into something quietly pleasant. Four stories of steel and oak, working in concert to create something architecturally bold and comfortable for daily life. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Four stories is a long way to travel, and this staircase makes every level count. Seattle-style steel stringers from the Prestige Metal line carry the structure with industrial honesty, not hidden behind walls but celebrated as part of the design. Vertical metal bars reinforce that rhythm, while riserless white oak treads appear to float as they rise, light and shadow playing beneath them at every turn. The oak elements do more than add warmth, they add an organic balance. A white oak handrail caps the metal balustrade, and the shift from steel to wood under your hand transforms the daily climb into something quietly pleasant. Four stories of steel and oak, working in concert to create something architecturally bold and comfortable for daily life. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Four stories is a long way to travel, and this staircase makes every level count. Seattle-style steel stringers from the Prestige Metal line carry the structure with industrial honesty, not hidden behind walls but celebrated as part of the design. Vertical metal bars reinforce that rhythm, while riserless white oak treads appear to float as they rise, light and shadow playing beneath them at every turn. The oak elements do more than add warmth, they add an organic balance. A white oak handrail caps the metal balustrade, and the shift from steel to wood under your hand transforms the daily climb into something quietly pleasant. Four stories of steel and oak, working in concert to create something architecturally bold and comfortable for daily life. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Four stories is a long way to travel, and this staircase makes every level count. Seattle-style steel stringers from the Prestige Metal line carry the structure with industrial honesty, not hidden behind walls but celebrated as part of the design. Vertical metal bars reinforce that rhythm, while riserless white oak treads appear to float as they rise, light and shadow playing beneath them at every turn. The oak elements do more than add warmth, they add an organic balance. A white oak handrail caps the metal balustrade, and the shift from steel to wood under your hand transforms the daily climb into something quietly pleasant. Four stories of steel and oak, working in concert to create something architecturally bold and comfortable for daily life. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Four stories is a long way to travel, and this staircase makes every level count. Seattle-style steel stringers from the Prestige Metal line carry the structure with industrial honesty, not hidden behind walls but celebrated as part of the design. Vertical metal bars reinforce that rhythm, while riserless white oak treads appear to float as they rise, light and shadow playing beneath them at every turn. The oak elements do more than add warmth, they add an organic balance. A white oak handrail caps the metal balustrade, and the shift from steel to wood under your hand transforms the daily climb into something quietly pleasant. Four stories of steel and oak, working in concert to create something architecturally bold and comfortable for daily life. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Four stories is a long way to travel, and this staircase makes every level count. Seattle-style steel stringers from the Prestige Metal line carry the structure with industrial honesty, not hidden behind walls but celebrated as part of the design. Vertical metal bars reinforce that rhythm, while riserless white oak treads appear to float as they rise, light and shadow playing beneath them at every turn. The oak elements do more than add warmth, they add an organic balance. A white oak handrail caps the metal balustrade, and the shift from steel to wood under your hand transforms the daily climb into something quietly pleasant. Four stories of steel and oak, working in concert to create something architecturally bold and comfortable for daily life. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Four stories is a long way to travel, and this staircase makes every level count. Seattle-style steel stringers from the Prestige Metal line carry the structure with industrial honesty, not hidden behind walls but celebrated as part of the design. Vertical metal bars reinforce that rhythm, while riserless white oak treads appear to float as they rise, light and shadow playing beneath them at every turn. The oak elements do more than add warmth, they add an organic balance. A white oak handrail caps the metal balustrade, and the shift from steel to wood under your hand transforms the daily climb into something quietly pleasant. Four stories of steel and oak, working in concert to create something architecturally bold and comfortable for daily life. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Four stories is a long way to travel, and this staircase makes every level count. Seattle-style steel stringers from the Prestige Metal line carry the structure with industrial honesty, not hidden behind walls but celebrated as part of the design. Vertical metal bars reinforce that rhythm, while riserless white oak treads appear to float as they rise, light and shadow playing beneath them at every turn. The oak elements do more than add warmth, they add an organic balance. A white oak handrail caps the metal balustrade, and the shift from steel to wood under your hand transforms the daily climb into something quietly pleasant. Four stories of steel and oak, working in concert to create something architecturally bold and comfortable for daily life. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Four stories is a long way to travel, and this staircase makes every level count. Seattle-style steel stringers from the Prestige Metal line carry the structure with industrial honesty, not hidden behind walls but celebrated as part of the design. Vertical metal bars reinforce that rhythm, while riserless white oak treads appear to float as they rise, light and shadow playing beneath them at every turn. The oak elements do more than add warmth, they add an organic balance. A white oak handrail caps the metal balustrade, and the shift from steel to wood under your hand transforms the daily climb into something quietly pleasant. Four stories of steel and oak, working in concert to create something architecturally bold and comfortable for daily life. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Four stories is a long way to travel, and this staircase makes every level count. Seattle-style steel stringers from the Prestige Metal line carry the structure with industrial honesty, not hidden behind walls but celebrated as part of the design. Vertical metal bars reinforce that rhythm, while riserless white oak treads appear to float as they rise, light and shadow playing beneath them at every turn. The oak elements do more than add warmth, they add an organic balance. A white oak handrail caps the metal balustrade, and the shift from steel to wood under your hand transforms the daily climb into something quietly pleasant. Four stories of steel and oak, working in concert to create something architecturally bold and comfortable for daily life. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Four stories is a long way to travel, and this staircase makes every level count. Seattle-style steel stringers from the Prestige Metal line carry the structure with industrial honesty, not hidden behind walls but celebrated as part of the design. Vertical metal bars reinforce that rhythm, while riserless white oak treads appear to float as they rise, light and shadow playing beneath them at every turn. The oak elements do more than add warmth, they add an organic balance. A white oak handrail caps the metal balustrade, and the shift from steel to wood under your hand transforms the daily climb into something quietly pleasant. Four stories of steel and oak, working in concert to create something architecturally bold and comfortable for daily life. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Four stories is a long way to travel, and this staircase makes every level count. Seattle-style steel stringers from the Prestige Metal line carry the structure with industrial honesty, not hidden behind walls but celebrated as part of the design. Vertical metal bars reinforce that rhythm, while riserless white oak treads appear to float as they rise, light and shadow playing beneath them at every turn. The oak elements do more than add warmth, they add an organic balance. A white oak handrail caps the metal balustrade, and the shift from steel to wood under your hand transforms the daily climb into something quietly pleasant. Four stories of steel and oak, working in concert to create something architecturally bold and comfortable for daily life. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Four stories is a long way to travel, and this staircase makes every level count. Seattle-style steel stringers from the Prestige Metal line carry the structure with industrial honesty, not hidden behind walls but celebrated as part of the design. Vertical metal bars reinforce that rhythm, while riserless white oak treads appear to float as they rise, light and shadow playing beneath them at every turn. The oak elements do more than add warmth, they add an organic balance. A white oak handrail caps the metal balustrade, and the shift from steel to wood under your hand transforms the daily climb into something quietly pleasant. Four stories of steel and oak, working in concert to create something architecturally bold and comfortable for daily life. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Four stories is a long way to travel, and this staircase makes every level count. Seattle-style steel stringers from the Prestige Metal line carry the structure with industrial honesty, not hidden behind walls but celebrated as part of the design. Vertical metal bars reinforce that rhythm, while riserless white oak treads appear to float as they rise, light and shadow playing beneath them at every turn. The oak elements do more than add warmth, they add an organic balance. A white oak handrail caps the metal balustrade, and the shift from steel to wood under your hand transforms the daily climb into something quietly pleasant. Four stories of steel and oak, working in concert to create something architecturally bold and comfortable for daily life. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company