CT&C Home Architecture Chamounix Mansion Carriage House

Chamounix Mansion Carriage House Youth Hostel

location

Chamounix Drive West Fairmount Park
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

owners

City of Philadelphia
Fairmount Park Commission, Memorial Hall, West Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

funding

City of Philadelphia
Capital Improvement Funds

 

project description

 

 A new life for a locally significant historic structure

The Carriage House was constructed in the mid 19th century to serve Chamounix Mansion, home of the Plumsted Family, and has seen many uses since. The family coaches and horses were on the first floor; a hayloft, tack room and grooms quarters on the second. Under the Fairmount Park’s ownership the carriage house was remodeled for use as a day camp.

In the 1970’s AYH became the tenant of the Mansion and opened the Chamounix Youth Hostel. Unheated, the Carriage House served as summer overflow space for the hostel.

Campbell Thomas & Co. planned and oversaw the full restoration of the building. The new plans included general expansion, installation of heating and air conditioning, and other improvements to the capacity and quality of the facilities. In addition a second story rear deck was added and fully accessible facilities for the physically disabled were incorporated into the design.