The Walnut Street facade of the legendary dining institution Old Original Bookbinders, established in 1906, became an iconic image in Philadelphia. Growing steadily from its humble beginnings, the restaurant occupied 12,000 square feet in five historic buildings, with the upper floors serving as part of a high-end condominium and apartment complex.

The building owners retained VMA to restore the original exterior facade, as well as to prepare and coordinate the application with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and to secure approval for Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credits.

For its renovation and restoration, VMA reconstructed lost elements, such as decorative cornice brackets and a cast iron and stained glass entrance canopy and vestibule.  The dentil work, lettering, ornate glass, and pillars are now as vibrant as envisioned.