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| Memorable Experiences |
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| The Tell Tale Detail |
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| Planning | |
The Left Bank |
Link to Living |
The 7-story building, formerly a GE production/testing facility constructed in 1929, had previously been studied by BLT for a variety of multiple-use commercial retail/office activities. The University of Pennsylvania bought the vacant 823,000 SF industrial loft property and chose a residential developer to convert it to student market rate apartments. A unique ground lease arrangement paved the way to transform a barren, lifeless corridor into a stylish portal connecting two disparate sections of Philadelphia.
One of the largest buildings on the National Register of Historic Places to be adapted for residential use, the center of the massive building was carved away to create an expansive 300’ x 70’ inner courtyard atrium - the only one of its kind in the city. The remaining structure houses 282 efficiency loft apartments. Other building amenities include parking, fitness center, gourmet market café, hair salon, wireless high speed Internet access throughout the facility, street level retail, concourse level office space, and day care.
This majestic edifice stands as a tribute to its partners who chose preservation rather than demolition, rejuvenation/restoration rather than rebuilding.
