The Spence Building

A 2025 Grand Jury Award winner from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, the Spence Building is an important historical landmark in the center of town in West Chester. The building had fallen into a state of severe disrepair, and in 2022, Zukin Realty, working with PZS Architects began the process of revitalization.

Original features, such as the interior access stairway and railing, and the curved entry door and windows on the first floor were restored. The roof was replaced with historically accurate slate and copper, while the original sandstone facade was repaired and preserved. Ultimately, this building was renovated into multifamily residential with retail on the first floor.

Scott Zukin of Zukin Realty is committed to the history and legacy of West Chester, and restoring old buildings in town represents a mission to give back to the community of small piece of its history. PZS was thrilled to be the architect for this important restoration and the results speak for themselves. For Mr. Zukin “The historic restoration of the Spence Building just had to be done. It had to be done for the legacy of James Spence and his family name. It just had to be done.”