Philadelphia, PA, October 10, 2026 — Lindsey Scannapieco, the entrepreneur behind the successful revitalization of Philadelphia’s historic Edward W. Bok Technical High School into the Bok Building makerspace, is embarking on a new significant development project. Scannapieco is currently transforming the former campus of the University of the Arts (UArts), including its landmark Hamilton Hall, into a new hub named the Village of Industry and Arts (VIA).

The VIA project is centered on creating dedicated spaces for artists and makers. A key component of this initiative includes the development of affordable housing specifically for artists, aiming to support the creative community within the city. This endeavor continues Scannapieco’s established pattern of breathing new life into significant, historic urban buildings.

Scannapieco’s previous work at the Bok Building established a precedent for adaptive reuse, turning a large, underutilized educational facility into a vibrant center for small businesses, artisans, and creative professionals. The Bok Building has become a notable destination in South Philadelphia.

The specific details regarding the timeline for the VIA project’s completion, the scope of the affordable housing units, or the total investment were not provided. Similarly, the exact nature of the transformation for Hamilton Hall beyond its inclusion in the VIA project was not detailed in the provided information.

In addition to her professional endeavors, the trend summary also touched upon Scannapieco’s personal connection to Philadelphia through her ideal “Perfect Philly Day.” This vision includes enjoying leisure time at various city locations, such as FDR Park, exploring the shops in Queen Village, and visiting the Bok Bar, reflecting her engagement with the city’s cultural and recreational offerings.


Story summarized from the original created by Beatrice Forman on www.inquirer.com, see more information here.

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