Author Archive

Lauren Drapala

Lauren Drapala is an architectural conservator and writer currently living in Philadelphia. Since receiving her Masters in Historic Preservation at the University of Pennsylvania in 2010, Lauren has been continuing her thesis research on the the decorative interiors and screens of 20th century muralist Robert Winthrop Chanler.

Holy Smokes: What Do We Do With All These Churches?

Holy Smokes: What Do We Do With All These Churches?

January 20, 2012  |  Vantage

As we face a spate of newly abandoned sacred spaces, ideas and inspiration from the dozens of church reuses in Philadelphia > more

Face-Lift at the Woodlands

Face-Lift at the Woodlands

November 3, 2011  |  Buzz

Impressive changes after years of seemingly endless deterioration to the Hamilton mansion > more

Woodlands Digging for Direction

Woodlands Digging for Direction

October 18, 2011  |  News

The new director of The Woodlands seeks to revitalize its historic mansion and reassert its historic landscape, home to the first American gingko tree. > more

The Cliffs

The Cliffs

October 11, 2011  |  Last Light

Photographing the ruins of a mansion built by the merchant who created the first nautical chart of Delaware Bay > more

Monumental! City Hall Symposium

Monumental! City Hall Symposium

September 30, 2011  |  Buzz

PennDesign will host Monumental! Symposium on the History and Restoration of Philadelphia City Hall, from November 4-6, 2011. This three-day symposium will look at the history > more