The Rittenhouse Square Guardhouse was made
possible through the generous support of the Friends of Rittenhouse
Square. Its design closely resembles the guardhouses that once stood
throughout Fairmount Park. These structures were used by park guards
to provide information, first aid, and security to visitors. Today,
the guardhouse serves as the local security headquarters for the
Rittenhouse Square area.
Campbell Thomas & Co. collaborated with Oak Leaf Conservatories Ltd.
of York, England, renowned for their expertise in conservatory
construction, to develop the design and build the guardhouse. The
structure was fabricated in England, shipped to Philadelphia in
sections, and assembled on-site. The materials, finishes, and design
details are reminiscent of an 1873 guardhouse that once stood at the
former entrance to Fairmount Park, located at 25th and Green Streets,
before the creation of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
