Project Type: Worship

Arch Street Meeting House
Philadelphia, PA

Since 1682, the property at 320 Arch Street in Philadelphia has served as a vital space for Quakers and the surrounding community. In continuous use for over three centuries, it has functioned as an active place of worship since 1804. In 2011, the site was designated a National Historic Landmark, and the Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust was established to protect the building’s legacy and invite the public to explore Quaker history.

In 2023, plans were made to replace the building’s aging steam heating system with a modern hot water system. The upgrade included installing modular air handlers in the attics above the east and west meeting rooms, along with several outdoor condensing units. Given the acoustically sensitive nature of the historic meeting rooms, Metropolitan Acoustics was brought on to ensure the new systems met strict sound level design goals. Our work extended beyond the interior: we also ensured that sound from the exterior condensing units complied with the City of Philadelphia’s noise ordinance for nearby residential properties. The result is a quietly modernized space — preserving the building’s contemplative atmosphere while meeting the unique needs of the Quaker community.