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History
The building, named after editor and philantropist Edward W. Bok, is an
art deco structure built in 1936, had been
vacant since the high school closed in 2013. It had been built as a vocationa
high school to accomodate 3000 students. It included trade-specific
facilities for professions such as mechanics, welders and cooks.
The school was closed along with others in the city due to decreased
enrollment and maintenance issues. In 2014, the Scout development
firm submitted a proposal for the project. Its philosophy is to use
an incremental and cost-effective renovation approach, seeking tenants
that match the existing facilities, rather than doing major redesigns.
For example the existing training kitchens of the school are being used
by cullinary tenants. The project was awarded a 2020 Charter Award from
the Congress of New Urbanism, which recognizes exemplary urban projects.
Rooftop Bar
The first project undetaken by Scout was the rooftop bar,
located on the 8th floor roof deck. Its great views and
youth ambiance generated inmediate revenue for the center, and helped
gain attention. Former students contributed spontaneous publicity using social media.
In addition to its regular business at a bar, it hosts
special events and pop-ups such as chef-led dinners and workshops.
Shops
The most distinctive feature of the center is its variery of
craft shops,
attracted by its low rental. In addition to visual artists,
there is a glass blower, woodworkers, restorers of pianos and guitars, a
bycicle shop, and many others.
There is a gallery available for displays.
Social and Health Services
SEAMAAC, a local non-profit refugee-founded agency, organizes a weekly senior gathering
at Bok, bringing together Southeast Asian elders for programs and socializing, including.
breakfast, chair yoga, painting, etc. It also provide
health screenings, such as
glucose and blood pressure testing provided by a clinic maintained by Jefferson Health
for this purpose. Jefferson Health is a major hospital system in the region.
BOK also houses a daycare for infants and young children and a drop-in
indoor play space, which is og great benefit to local parents.
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Fitness Classes
Another example of a business taking advantage of features of the building is the
personal training and fitness studio KG Strong. Weather permitting, it offers outdoor classes at
BOK's scenic eighth-floor rooftop. It also offers the opportunity to work out in BOK's original boys' gym, with
shuttle runs, wall sits, skipping exercises, and other drills from gym class days. Other classes, including
core conditioning, kettlebell training, and strength endurance, are held in the studio's second-floor
space. On the last Sunday of the month, owner Katie Gould hosts a yoga breakfast club that
features an hour-long class, drinks, and a continental breakfast.
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Auditorium
The
original school auditorium is being refurbished by a non-profit organization, Friends
of BOK, attempting to maintain its historic features. It will be made available as a
rental event space, with discounts for neighborhood partners.
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