An Inventory/Survey Citation of Merit is given for Nour Jafar’s student research project on the Philadelphia Police Administration Building, also known as the “Roundhouse.” This paper is a notable contribution to the discourse on architectural preservation and social justice which surrounds the building. Jafar documents the technological advancements and material innovations that characterize the Roundhouse and engages critically with its fraught history as a site of violence and trauma. The paper explores the potential consequences of redevelopment, particularly its impact on surrounding communities, and proposes thoughtful conservation strategies that balance the building’s architectural significance with the need for reparative justice. By integrating historical documentation with contemporary social concerns, this research provides an essential resource for understanding the Roundhouse’s role in Philadelphia’s post-war architectural landscape and its ongoing significance. 

Nour Jafar (Student and Author); Frank Matero and Irene Matteini (Professors)