The Garden Court Apartments, an early twentieth-century residential building in West Philadelphia, required restoration to recover its original architectural character after years of deferred maintenance. POST Brothers engaged O Z Collaborative to lead the design of exterior restoration and interior lobby renovation, with a focus on reestablishing the building’s Art Deco identity. The work involved uncovering and restoring historic details that had been obscured by later alterations. Exterior improvements included restoration of façade elements and the introduction of a new entrance canopy, designed to align with the building’s original architectural language.

The canopy strengthens the building’s presence along the street while enhancing the entry experience. Interior work focused on the lobby, where custom-designed elements, including a new circulation desk, were developed to reflect Art Deco detailing. Materials and proportions were carefully coordinated to restore the spatial quality of the original interior. This project balances preservation with contemporary functionality, improving the building’s performance while maintaining its architectural integrity. The restoration reinforces the building’s identity and reestablishes its role as a residential landmark in West Philadelphia.