Al-Aqsa Islamic Society
Expansion Project
Al-Aqsa Islamic Society
Philadelphia, PA
Located in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, Al-Aqsa Islamic Society is a 501(c)(3) established in 1989 to support and sustain the Islamic Community in Philadelphia. Several thousand community members benefit from its social programs, educational opportunities, and consider it a religious home.
Al-Aqsa encompasses a K-12 school, a mosque, and a community grocery store — however the current facility is unable to keep up with the growing needs of the community.
In August 2023, Al-Aqsa Islamic Society commissioned Alta Management LLC, O Z Collaborative, and Massive Order to complete a comprehensive programming and planning process to establish a conceptual design and layout that supports Al Aqsa’s vision for future growth.
The proposed plan will include a 70,000 sq/ft expansion to be constructed onsite to accommodate the organization’s growing educational, religious, and cultural needs.
In addition to new community spaces, this expansion will provide space for Al-Aqsa Academy to admit 300 additional students, as well as increase the Masjid’s capacity to 2440 total attendees.
Expansion Project
PHASE ONE: NEW ACADEMY & ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY SPACES — A new educational facility designed to accommodate the expansion of the existing academic program, including 12 additional classrooms, science labs, a library, and administrative offices, as well as additional shared community spaces (gymnasium and multipurpose hall).
PHASE TWO: NEW MASJID — A new mosque to accommodate the community’s growing attendance.
The Al-Aqsa Expansion Project is estimated to cost $43,600,000. Thus far, Al-Aqsa has raised $2 million for the project and obtained $3 million in pledges.
In 2024,Governor Josh Shapiro has awarded the project with a $5 million RACP grantfrom the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania— the single largest grant given to a Muslim organization in Pennsylvania history.
Construction is projected for completion by End of 2028.
The Site
All construction will occur on land owned by Al-Aqsa. It is currently being utilized as a playground and a parking lot.
Project management firm, Alta Management LLC, and Al-Aqsa’s legal counsel, Ballard Spahr LLP, worked with Philadelphia City Council to pass legislation to enact appropriate zoning for the project. The local community was also consulted and the project received approval by vote from the designated registered community organization.
The Design
Architectural firms, Philadelphia’s O Z Collaborative and Kuwait-based Massive Order, have collaborated in the design of a new facility that both incorporates and expands upon the existing structure. Studio Sustena, a Philadelphia-based landscape architectural firm, will ensure the project is in compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
The Academy
Al-Aqsa Islamic Academy is a private day and weekend school (coeducational K-12). It was established in 1996 by founder and director, Chukri Khorchid.
Currently, there are roughly 350 students enrolled in the academy, in addition to roughly 240 public school students who attend weekend school for Islamic Studies.
The expansion would allow for the enrollment of 300 additional students, as well as additional space for arts and science programming.
Expansion Project
12 Classrooms
2 Science Labs
2 Multipurpose Halls
1 Library
1 Art Studio
1 Improved Playground Space
New Facilities Added:
The Community Center
Al-Aqsa serves as a vital community hub. The Al-Aqsa Islamic Society frequently hosts community and cultural events during various holidays, as well as interfaith events with neighboring religious institutions. They also distribute food to community members in need, including a turkey meal giveaway every Thanksgiving.
However, the existing facility does not include a dedicated space for community events.
Expansion Project
The project includes a gymnasium and multipurpose hall. This space will be utilized by the academy, and will be open to the community for recreation and wellness activities.
The Masjid
Currently, Al-Aqsa must hold two separate Friday prayer services due to growing attendance and lack of capacity.
Expansion Project
The expansion would increase the Masjid’s capacity by 1440 to allow a total 2440 attendees.
The entrance to the masjid will include an attractive maidan, where the community will be able to gather before and after prayer.
In the new masjid, the women’s section will be located on a separate mezzanine level that is integrated above the main prayer hall space.
Make a Donation
Build your house in Jannah by building (maintaining) a house for Allah in the Dunya, your donation will help with the Masjid’s expenses, repairs and activities.
The Team
Project Management
Established in 1999 by Founder and Principal, Majid Alsayegh, Alta Management LLC provides owner's representative services on large capital projects to public and private clients. This project will be managed by Ryan Alsayegh, Vice President and Project Manager. Alta Management LLC has overseen the design and construction of numerous other facilities and several major technology projects, including the Pennsylvania Judicial Center (Harrisburg, PA), Philadelphia Family Court, Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center, and the Pittsburgh Penguins Consol Arena.
Architects
O Z Collaborative is an architectural firm forged out of two existing firms, BWA Architecture + Planning and Olaya Studio. Headquartered in West Philadelphia, the firm is led by founding members, Richard Olaya and Morris Zimmerman, and is comprised of the combined talents of passionate, professionals from both firms. O Z Collaborative has a deep appreciation for contemporary architecture, historic preservation, and community building through collaboration, sustainability, and technology.
Architects
Massive Order is a general trading and contracting company specializing in managing architectural, interior and urban design projects from design conception to execution. Based in Kuwait, Massive Order was established in 2002 by Dr. Muhannad Al Baqshi and Eng. Faisal Al Hawaj. Since then, they and their team of architects, designers, engineers and planners have provided modern and innovative residential and commercial designs, and then brought their design vision to life with their equally innovative and efficient construction.
Landscape Architects
Studio Sustena is a full-service landscape architectural design firm based in Philadelphia. Their specialty resides in their unique expertise in creating integrated site designs — blending landscape architecture with civil engineering — to create innovative and resilient solutions for academic campuses, institutions, developers, healthcare facilities, and more.
