THE BENCHMARK INNOVATION SPACE DESIGN BUILD TEAM

SHoP Architects: Founded in 1996 by Chris and Bill Sharples (Benchmark '77), the Brooklyn-based firm has completed projects on five continents. SHoP is known for its design of the Barclays Center arena in Brooklyn, the expansion of Google headquarters, the Botswana Innovation Hub, and the American Copper Buildings in Manhattan, among many other notable projects. 

Jim Viner, President & CEO, HSC Builders & Construction Managers: Jim is a Benchmark parent and a member of the Benchmark Board of Trustees. Jim is acting in a volunteer capacity as the school's liaison to the builders and as an advisor to the project. We are most grateful to Jim for sharing his vast expertise in managing construction projects in the fields of healthcare, higher education, and life sciences to ensure that this building project runs smoothly. 

Rosella Harvey, Principal, NorthStar Owner Representation: Rosella brings to the Innovation Space project more than 20 years of experience managing multi-faceted, complex building projects. Rosella is working with representatives from Benchmark, the architects, and the contractors by providing consulting and management services to ensure that the project's goals are achieved. 

W.S. Cumby Builders & Construction Managers: Based in Springfield, W.S. Cumby has been serving the Greater Philadelphia and tri-state areas since 1981. They will provide general construction management services. The firm was recently named General Contractor of the Year by the Eastern PA Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, a national construction organization representing 22,000 construction and construction-related firms, and earned an Excellence Level award for the Mansion Building restoration at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur in Villanova.

Cicada Architecture/Planning Inc.: Founded in 1995, the Cicada production/design team is responsible for supporting SHoP's visionary design so that the project goals are defined and completed in creative, cost-effective ways. 

PHASE 1 TO BEGIN FEBRUARY 16

On February 16, work will begin to transform the Perot Conference Room into a bright, new Music Room. Music Teacher Laurie Veacock has been working closely with the architects to ensure that the room will suit the needs of our music education program. The new Music Room will be ready for Laurie and her students in

early March.

READ MORE: To learn more about the Benchmark Innovation Space Project, please click here.

HOW YOU CAN BE PART OF THIS EXCITING TIME IN BENCHMARK'S HISTORY

Benchmark seeks to raise $2.0 million for the Innovation Space. We ask that each member of the Benchmark community makes a meaningful commitment to this project. Gifts may be made in cash, stock, or appreciated assets, and can be made over a determined pledge period. Working together we can bring our plans quickly to completion and open our new, exciting facility to all of our students. Please contact Louisa Hanshew at 610-565-3741, ext.150, to inquire further.

We look forward to sending you updates about the progress of the Benchmark Innovation Space building project. If you have questions about the project, please contact Sara Hill , Benchmark Office Manager.