The Ridgeway Library, built in the 1890s was in disrepair and neglect when the School District of Philadelphia became owner of the property.  The concept was to rehabilitate and restore the building to its former splendor and expand it to become the High School for the Creative and Performing Arts for Philadelphia.  The first step was the structural stabilization of the failing roof structure.  Next the historic restoration of the exterior and interior to create a grand space for this new school took place requiring design of alterations and rehabilitation of the cast iron frame and brick arch floor structure.  Careful incorporation of modern technology and building systems were designed to preserve the historic fabric of the building.  In all the 60,000 square feet of the historic building was renovated and a five-story steel frame expansion containing 100,000 square feet was constructed to house classrooms, studios, workshops, offices, and an acoustically designed 320-seat theater and stage area.