Richmond Library

Sector: Municipal / Historic Preservation
Role: General Contractor
Client: City of Philadelphia / Free Library of Philadelphia
Location: Philadelphia, PA

Project Overview

Richmond Library has long served as a place for learning, connection, and community in Philadelphia’s Port Richmond neighborhood. Torrado Construction served as General Contractor for a restoration and renovation focused on preserving the building’s historic character while addressing critical infrastructure and maintenance needs.

The project included replacement of the historic terra-cotta roof, chimney repointing, masonry and capstone restoration, along with interior plaster restoration and painting. Historic materials and finishes required careful coordination, including color selections, tile samples, restoration mock-ups, and review of proposed treatments.

The larger $2.5 million renovation preserved historically significant details while improving the building for continued community use. Torrado’s work helped protect the architectural integrity of the library while extending the life of this valued neighborhood institution.

Project Highlights

• Historic terra-cotta roof replacement
• Chimney repointing and masonry restoration
• Wall capstone restoration
• Interior plaster restoration and painting
• Historic material samples and restoration mock-ups
• Coordination of preservation-sensitive construction

Community Impact

Libraries are more than buildings—they are neighborhood resources for education, discovery, and connection. Preserving Richmond Library protects an important piece of Port Richmond’s architectural history while helping ensure the facility can continue serving the community for generations to come.