Fitler Square Architect Redefines Affordable Living
By Stacia Friedman
⭐ Nominate a Noteworthy Neighbor
This is our third piece in a series about fascinating Fitler folks.
Do you know a Fitler Square neighbor with an extraordinary story? We want to hear it! Share their tale and help us spotlight the amazing individuals in our community.
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Nora Bergsten, an associate architect at CBP Architects, has been shaping Philadelphia's urban landscape since 2012. A Fitler Square resident since 2013, Bergsten balances her professional life designing award-winning buildings with her role as a community member and mother of two. Her work ranges from affordable senior housing projects to facilities for those battling addiction, all while she remains actively engaged in her local neighborhood.
A Career Built on People-Centric Design
"I think I was always interested in spaces for people. It's not just about forms; it's about people inhabiting them," Bergsten reflects, encapsulating the philosophy that drives her work.
At CBP Architects, Bergsten has contributed to a diverse range of projects, from large-scale academic buildings to community-focused developments. One of her recent notable works showcases her ability to tackle complex architectural challenges.
The project involved transforming a vacant lot into a striking five-story structure that seamlessly combines St. Rita's Place, providing 46 apartments for low-income seniors, with the Cascia Center on the first floor, a space dedicated to peace and reconciliation.
The challenge was formidable: how do you design a 21st-century, multi-use building in harmony with an adjacent baroque national shrine built in 1907?
Bergsten approached the problem with thoughtful consideration. "This is a prominent location right on Broad St next to a beautiful, historic church," she explains. "For the front facade, we used two different elements - brick and a masonry material which complements the church. It's an intentionally quiet facade."
This innovative approach to integrating modern functionality with historical context caught the attention of industry experts, earning the project a 2023 Award for Excellence from the Urban Land Institute (ULI).
Reflecting on the project's success, Bergsten emphasizes, "That is part of our philosophy at CBP, regardless of the budget, all buildings should have good design."
Another notable project, The Inn of Amazing Mercy, transformed a 1901 vacant school of nursing in Kensington into a residence for the homeless and those battling addiction.
These projects exemplify CBP's dedication to high-quality design across all types of developments, a principle that Bergsten credits to managing partner Nancy Bastian. It's clear that whether working on affordable housing or community spaces, Bergsten and her colleagues at CBP Architects strive to create thoughtful, people-centric designs that enhance Philadelphia's urban landscape.
A Fitler Square Resident's Perspective
When not at work, Bergsten is actively involved in her Fitler Square community. In 2013, she and her husband, Bradley Gay, an architect at The Sheward Partnership, chose the neighborhood for its charm and accessibility.
"It's a beautiful neighborhood. There are a lot of trees on our street and we are a walkable distance from Center City," she says. The proximity to the Schuylkill River Trail and Fitler Square itself was a major draw for their young family.
"We used to bring our children, now aged 8 and 12, to the Square. It's a wonderful place for kids to be outside, climbing on the bear or sitting on the turtles. We spent many weekends there when the kids were younger," Bergsten reminisces. "Now we go to the Farmer's Market there and our children attend after-school programs at Markward."
As avid cyclists, the Bergsten-Gay family uses Philadelphia's bike infrastructure regularly. "We bike with our children up to the Falls Bridge," she shares, noting that her commute to CBP's Old City office is just a twenty-minute ride.
Bergsten also notes local initiatives like the Greys Ferry Triangle at 23rd & South. "They transformed a street into a green public plaza with a fountain, a beautiful magnolia tree and lots of cafes. On Thursday evenings, Igloo, the ice cream shop, hosts live music and movie nights. It's a lovely community amenity."
From Ballet to Buildings: An Unconventional Path
Bergsten's journey to architecture was indirect. Growing up in Carlisle, PA, she spent her childhood in the pre-professional program of Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Her academic path initially led her to Haverford College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Molecular Biology.
It wasn't until after graduation that a visit to an architect's home sparked a career change. This led her to Yale University, where she earned a Master of Architecture.
Today, Bergsten's community involvement extends to her roles in the Urban Land Institute and on the Greenfield School Advisory Council. In her free time, she enjoys walks along the Schuylkill River Trail, vacations with her family in the Adirondacks, and attends Philadelphia Orchestra performances.