A Look Inside Cescaphe’s New Wedding Venue at the Battery
Housed in a former power plant on the Delaware River, the destination blends modern decor accents with historical details.
The reception area’s windows are replicas of the originals. / Photography by Zach Pontz / Flowers by Beautiful Blooms / Decor Rentals by Party Rental Ltd. / Cake by Cescaphe
Cescaphe has a 20-year history of taking landmarks throughout Philadelphia and turning them into supreme venues — and the new Switch House at the Battery in Fishtown is the most remarkable yet. “It’s an architectural masterpiece,” says Joe Volpe, who co-owns Cescaphe, a luxury event management company, with wife and chief creative officer Andrea. Cescaphe partnered with real estate investor Lubert-Adler on the transformation of the former PECO plant — opened in the 1920s, it provided power throughout Philly for decades — into a multi-use destination that will include the new venue and a 45-room hotel, both operated by Cescaphe.
One of two fireplaces at Switch House
That was the icing on the cake for the Volpes, who have long wanted a venue with on-site accommodations to complement their six other locations. The 20,000-square-foot Switch House offers separate areas for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception (capacity: between 150 and 325 guests). Cescaphe considered historical details when re-envisioning the space, and modern decor accents, including a floating cement staircase, provide what Andrea calls “urban elegance.”
The building’s walls are made entirely from concrete and were left exposed. They juxtapose modern decor like the chandeliers.
This bar (also one of two) features mixed-metal accents and imported chandeliers.
Even better: The venue is designed solely for the Big Day. So the rest of the fun — from the rehearsal dinner to the day-after brunch — takes place at other areas on the property, such as the rooftop. It’s all part of Cescaphe’s goal to create a destination wedding experience — right in Philly.
Prices upon request.
Published as “Flip the Switch” in the Winter/Spring 2024 issue of Philadelphia Wedding.
Getting married? Start and end your wedding planning journey with Philadelphia Weddings' guide to the best wedding vendors in the city.
