The Curtis Institute of Music Selects Razak/Athenian as Development Manager for New LEED Registered Education Building
Construction on $65M Lenfest Hall Begins This Week to Provide Additional Living and Rehearsal space for Music Students

Philadelphia, PA - April 28, 2009

Razak/Athenian is proud to announce it has been named real estate development manager to lead the development of Lenfest Hall, a new $65 million, 106,000 square foot music education and student residence center for The Curtis Institute of Music. As Development Manager, Razak/Athenian is the team leader responsible for guiding the project through the entire development process, from zoning and approvals and managing the design and construction team to a successful project completion. The new 9-story building broke ground yesterday and, once completed, will include dorms, an orchestra rehearsal room, studios, and practice rooms to accommodate the school's long-established needs for additional space.

"Razak/Athenian is thrilled to lead the development team on behalf of one of Philadelphia's most revered cultural institutions," said Alan Razak, Principal of Razak Company. "This project combines best practices in development, design and historic preservation that will have a lasting impact on Philadelphia and beyond. Once completed, Lenfest Hall's expanded facilities will benefit generations of young musicians by providing critical space to learn, live and excel."

Lenfest Hall will be constructed on the site of the former Locust Club and two adjoining historic townhouses at 1610 to 1618 Locust Street in Philadelphia, PA. The new building is registered for LEED certification with the U.S. Green Building Council, and will provide teaching and practice spaces, including a new orchestra rehearsal hall, kitchen, dining and lounge spaces, and 88 student residences. The design, created by the architecture firm of Venturi, Scott Brown & Associates, preserves the historic facades of both townhouses and incorporates them into the new contemporary building design. The project is the first major expansion of the Curtis campus in more than two decades and is part of the school's broader strategic plan to make Curtis the first choice for students seeking musical performance careers.

Curtis recently announced that it has completed fundraising for the project, with donations pledged by more than 60 individual and foundation donors, including a $30 million matching grant from H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest. The project, which has been approved by the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment and Historical Commission, will be completed in time for the Fall 2011 semester.
About Razak/Athenian

Razak/Athenian is a joint effort of Razak Company and Athenian Properties LLC, two Philadelphia-based real estate development companies with a focus on urban projects. The companies also assist institutions, corporations and investors through consulting services in all aspects of the real estate life cycle; from strategic planning through project management to property management. Razak/Athenian is dedicated to creating intelligently designed and environmentally responsible projects in the Philadelphia area.