Founded in 1966 by the Musicians’ Protective Union Local 274, American Federation of Musicians, in its heyday the Philadelphia Clef Club hosted the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Art Blakely, Dinah Washington, Max Roach and others as they shared creative ideas in the union hall. In 1995, the PCC established a new three-story facility—the first ever constructed specifically as a jazz institution—on the corner of Broad and Fitzwater Streets. It houses classrooms, a performance space, recording facilities, and executive offices.

Existing building at the corner of Broad and Fitzwater Streets – © Google / Google Earth 10/2024

The renovation is intended to enhance both the visitor experience and educational offerings by introducing new program rooms, improved interior layouts, and revitalizing the building’s interior and exterior with updated lighting, colors, and materials.

According to KMA Principal Troy C. Leonard, AIA, “A referral from a gracious owner’s rep who saw synergy between this and another project we worked on together led to this job. Also, the involvement of our late co-founder, Emanuel Kelly, FAIA, with the development of a feasibility study to repurpose John Coltrane’s former residence in West Philly as a cultural center gave us an even deeper appreciation for the art of jazz. It’s an honor to assist the Clef Club in realizing their inspired vision.”