The Kingsessing Library and Recreation Center are Beaux-Arts facilities designed in the early 20th century by city architect Philip H. Johnson. They occupy the same 9.2-acre property in Southwest Philadelphia, which was added to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places in 2009. Under a contract with Rebuild Philadelphia, building and site improvements for both structures were completed in spring 2025.

The Kingsessing Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia opened on November 29, 1919, and was among the last of 25 branch libraries built through an endowment from industrialist-turned-philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The library derives its name from the Native American word “Chincessing” meaning “bog meadow,” that was given to this area along the Schuylkill River by Dutch and Swedish settlers. 

KMA completed condition assessments for both structures and is responsible for various site improvements, including accessibility, stormwater management, new artificial turf fields, new play structures, new and improved connection pathways, development of other community gathering spaces, and repair of select site structures. 

Building improvements extend to exterior masonry cleaning, pointing and restoration, egress and ADA accessibility upgrades, MEP/FP system upgrades, and select interior reconfigurations.