3rd Ward, a unique Brooklyn-based outlet for all your creative needs, is coming to Philadelphia!

According to their press release, they’ve signed a lease on an undisclosed Northern Liberties/New Kensington space. A little digging and we uncovered the location to be at 1227 N. 4th St. (4th & Thompson, just north of Girard Ave). 3rd Ward will utilize three buildings, totaling 27K sqft (!) – a 3-story brick warehouse, an historic church, and a single-story concrete warehouse. They plan on preserving all of the buildings and restoring each building’s special features. Construction has begun and opening is slated for summer 2012.

Current view

Rendering, during the daytime

Rendering at night

It seems that 3rd Ward will offer a lot of the same mix of over 200 classes and programs like their Brooklyn location, but tailored to fit our (slightly more awesome) city. 3rd Ward offers memberships, starting at $29/month, giving more frequent users a bigger discount on classes.

Sample from their Brooklyn location

“In our new Philadelphia location, you’ll be able take a class or get your work done in our:

– Wood/ Metal Shop
– Prototyping Lab with CNC mills and laser cutters
– Media Lab/Coworking space with conference rooms, reference library & kitchenette
– Studio for screenprinting, painting and more
– Jewelry Studio
– Fashion/Textile Studio
– Culinary Classroom
– Circuitry/Maker Lab
…and much more.

Plus, you’ll get to hang out, relax, and meet new people in our…
– Gallery Space with frequently updated art shows
– Cafe with indoor/outdoor seating
– Retail Store
– Event space for lectures and networking sessions
– Rooftop garden”

Not excited yet? Back in June, Grub Street New York reported that the Brooklyn location had a request for proposal out for a high-end cafe concept, complete with an $85,000 build-out, liquor license and outdoor space. Sounds a lot like what the Philly location has planned- which makes us wonder what fancy restaurateur may respond to a similar bid in Philly?

Cafe space rendering. Ooooh!