Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Restoration
Architect
WJE - Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Copper and Slate Roofing Installer
Bregenzer Brothers Company, Inc.Ewing, New Jersey
General Contractor
EDA Contractors, Inc.Ewing, New Jersey
Completed in April 2023, this project restored and upgraded the roofing and sheet-metal systems at The Philadelphia Contributionship. Founded in 1752 by Benjamin Franklin, the Contributionship stands as the nation’s oldest property insurance company, its legacy closely tied to advancing fire-resistant construction and preserving the architectural character of Philadelphia. Bregenzer Brothers Inc., located in Ewing, NJ, performed a new slate and sheet metal installation, including the removal of existing materials from the main upper roof and the installation of new copper standing-seam panels, flashing, and a roof vent.
The project also involved removing and replacing copper downspouts, as well as installing new copper flashings on the slate Mansard roofs. At the west Mansard, deteriorated fascia and crown molding were replaced with new copper components to restore architectural definition and ensure long-term durability. This thoughtful restoration balances historical integrity with modern performance, extending the life of the building envelope while maintaining its original character.
