MARTIN ARCHITECTURAL CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF AWARD-WINNING ARCHITECTURE

The Martin Architectural Group, whose projects include Annapolis Towne Centre and the new Promenade at Granite Run in Media, PA, has been known for its modern mixed-use designs and placemaking experiences since its inception in 1967. Martin celebrated the firm’s 50th Anniversary with a cocktail party at the Pyramid Club on November 2nd, highlighting their major projects all along the east coast and into the mid-west. 

Jim Riviello, President, says the guest list for their celebration was full of employees, business associates, and clients as a way to thank them for their dedication and support over the last half-century. During the festivities, guests enjoyed spectacular views of the city that Martin helped to shape and has always called home, as the firm spread its wings in the boom times and maintained the city as its base through leaner years when many of their competitors closed their doors. 

 “It was a great event recognizing a landmark accomplishment,” says Marianne Scott of the Building Industry Association of Philadelphia. Hilary Goldfarb, Ryan Lee Stewart, and Laurie Allen Bilski of the Bozzuto Companies traveled all the way from their office in Greenbelt, Maryland to attend the event saying they were “thrilled to be in attendance.” Guests even took part in a napkin sketch contest to celebrate 50 years of architectural design; colorful portraits, cityscapes, and general well wishes were put on display. 

For 50 years, Martin has been providing design services to the private sector real estate development industry. Master plans developed in the Philadelphia office have come to life all over the country, from Denver to New York, and Maine to Florida. The impressive two-mile master plan of Port Imperial, NJ, with breathtaking views of the NYC skyline, continues to shape the region. The firm’s tag line, “It’s all about the Plan,” captures the livability of the dynamic spaces they create, from shopping centers and mall revisions, to single-family homes and apartment style modern living. 

Employees of Martin still trek each morning to the iconic building at 22nd and Summer Streets, welcomed by the gently weathering column at the entry, the cantilevered floors sheltering the cars below. Through the expansive glass walls of the studio space, views to the Buttonwood Cityview Towers, designed by Martin in the 1970s and 1980s, and the Museum of Art continue to provide inspiration to the architects within. 

 Martin has developed “a wonderful place for learning, creating, and comradery,” says Jason DeCampli, who has been with the firm since 2006. “Working in this great team environment and seeing many different projects come to life makes my job extremely gratifying.” Recognizing the firm’s efforts to educate the next generation of architects, AIA Pennsylvania recently listed Martin as a 2017 AIA PA Firms Fostering Emerging Professionals, adding to their already extensive list of awards accumulated over the past 50 years. 

Event Photography: John Cruice Photography
Sound, Lighting, DJ/MC: Luxe Event Entertainment featuring DJBK  

MARTIN PROJECT VISUALS 

Annapolis Towne Centre, Parole, MD (2007)

CHoP at the Promenade at Granite Run, Media, PA (2017)

The Landings at Port Imperial, West New York, NJ (2001)