February 26, 2025

IBEW Local 98 celebrates opening of its new headquarters at The Navy Yard

By Mark Lynch, Jr., Business Manager, IBEW Local 98

Colleen Claggett/for PhillyVoice

The assembled dignitaries cut the ribbon on IBEW Local 98’s new home at the Navy Yard.

Perfection. A rare, sunny, 60 degree in late February served as the perfect backdrop for IBEW Local 98 to celebrate the grand opening of its new Navy Yard headquarters and Apprentice Training facility with a star-studded ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Among the dignitaries present were IBEW International President Kenneth W. Cooper, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, City Council President Kenyatta Johnson and other members of City Council, Philadelphia Building Trades Business Manager Ryan N. Boyer and other Trades leaders, and NECA Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter President Jeffrey Scarpello.

Colleen Claggett/for PhillyVoice
Mark Lynch welcomes IBEW International President Kenneth W. Cooper to the podium.

After more than three decades in our former Spring Garden Street home, I made the decision to purchase two larger, more modernized Navy Yard buildings previously owned by Penn State University that better accommodate our growth and situates us in the midst of the Navy Yard’s burgeoning technology hub. The acquisition of these buildings represents a significant investment in our future. By embracing sustainable technologies and providing state-of-the-art training facilities, we are preparing the next generation of electricians to lead in an industry increasingly defined by energy efficiency and smart technology.

Colleen Claggett/for PhillyVoice

(L to R) Council President Kenyatta Johnson, Mayor Cherelle Parker, Local 98 Business Manager Mark Lynch, Jr.

These two premier energy-efficient buildings will serve as new cornerstones for training, innovation and sustainability in the electrical industry. The two buildings, totaling more than 63,000 square feet, were designed as living laboratories that showcase sustainable construction and advanced energy-efficient systems. Key features of the two buildings include:

• Highly efficient heating and cooling systems that utilize decentralized, water-sourced heat pumps and energy recovery wheels.

• Renewable solar energy to reduce our carbon footprint.

• Grey Water Recycling System that reuses stormwater runoff from the green roof for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation.

• Green Roof Technology that provides insulation, reduces heat island effect, and improves stormwater management.

• Smart Classrooms - all Apprentice Training classrooms are equipped with smart boards that facilitate the latest electrical training and education.

• Parenting Room for new mothers to promote inclusivity and workplace support.

Our new Navy Yard facilities will not only enhance IBEW Local 98’s ability to train top-tier electrical workers, but also serve as a model for the future of green building and energy-efficient training centers nationwide.

Mark Lynch, Jr., Business Manager, IBEW Local 98