Emanuel Kelly, FAIA

Emanuel Kelly, FAIA, was raised in West Philadelphia and has been managing the design, documentation, and construction of architectural, urban design, and planning projects for thirty-six years. He graduated with a degree in architecture from Drexel University in 1971 and received his master’s degree in city planning and urban design from Harvard University in 1974. He returned to Philadelphia in 1976 and, along with Vincent Maiello, AIA, established the architectural and planning firm Kelly/Maiello, Inc. Over the course of his many years in the city his firm has worked on a number of significant projects including the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center, the renovation and preservation of Philadelphia City Hall and many others for local and state government, educational entities, and social service organizations. In addition, his firm has taken a special interest in community revitalization and designing affordable housing for all residents. Mr. Kelly is the father of two grown sons and currently resides in West Philadelphia with his wife.

The Drexel University Libraries presents this online exhibit to honor the work of Drexel graduate Emanuel Kelly. This exhibit highlights just a few of the many projects completed by the Kelly/Maiello firm.

Projects from Kelly/Maiello, Inc.
Church of the Advocate, Philadelphia, PA (The Paul and Christine Washington Family and Community Center, Philadelphia PA)
City Hall, Philadelphia, PA (Interior Restorations and Exterior Envelope Restorations)
Emanuel Recreation Center, Philadelphia, PA
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA
Pennsylvania School for the Deaf: Early Childhood Center, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia Museum of Art: Perelman Building, Philadelphia, PA

Upcoming Project: Philadelphia National Monument: "a memorial to [George Washington's] slaves and to the presidential house they lived in"Selected from five finalists by city and National Park Service officials, the design of Kelly/Maiello, Inc., a $5.2 million project, will begin to come to life this summer. As the designer of the first national memorial for slaves, Kelly/Maiello has been intimately involved in this important American cultural ground breaking. The project grew out of public outcry in 2002 following the planning for the new Liberty Bell Center, the entrance of which "would compel visitors to walk directly over the unmarked spot where Washington's human chattel labored and slept." Despite the placement of the entrance, there were no plans to make any mention of Washington's slaves in the context of the Liberty Bell exhibit. The 5 years of passionate debate between citizenry and public officials that has followed this debacle will be concluded with the unveiling of the Kelly/Maiello monument. From inception, to design, to construction and opening day, this important monument will prove to be a very public and democratic symbol for Americans and citizens of the world. For more information, see Stephan Salisbury's article in The Philadelphia Inquirer, referenced below.

Salisbury, Stephan. 28 February 2007. "Designer chosen for national monument: A memorial here to slaves, two presidents." The Philadelphia Inquirer. Accessed 23 March 2007 at http://www.philly.com/inquirer/entertainment/20070228_Designer_chosen_for_national_monument.html

http://www.library.drexel.edu/archives/exhibits/emanuelkellyexhibit.html