Bok History

Funded through FDR’s Public Works Administration, the building was built in 1936 to accommodate 3,000 students from across Philadelphia studying subjects from wallpapering to cosmetology to auto mechanics to bricklaying. Formally known as the Bok Vocational High School, the building opened to students in 1938. Many of the classrooms were purpose-built to accommodate trade-specific study — like the steel rooms built for welding materials that exist inside many of the spaces. Or the first floor rear of the building that was an auto mechanic shop, or the 3rd floor full kitchen built to train students in culinary arts.

Decreased enrollment in its later years and escalating deferred maintenance challenged the building. In 2013, the School District of Philadelphia closed the school and put it up for public auction. At the time of closure, the school had under 1,000 students enrolled.

Although there were some cosmetic changes over the 75 year history, the building remains unchanged. Today the 340,000 square foot structure houses over 250 businesses, artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and non-profits — ranging from fashion designers to filmmakers to glassblowers to architect practices to woodworkers, and even a wholesale bakery.