Posts Tagged ‘Waterfront Square’

Top 10 Luxury High Rise Condo Buildings

It’s all about the finer things in life!  One of the great things about Philadelphia is it’s eclectic mix of buildings and architecture.  We are a city which features everything from brand new modern glass facade high rises, to historic buildings made of stone which were later converted to condos.  Whatever your style may be, we have a match for you.  Below is our list of the 10 best high style, high luxury condo buildings located in the Center City Philadelphia area.  Welcome to the good life!

1.The Residences At The Ritz Carlton

Address: 1414 Penn Square. Philadelphia, PA 19020

Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square – Avenue of The Arts

What’s For Sale?: Click Here To View All Available Units

The Vibe: Built in 2009 The Residences At The Ritz, are high end modern contemporary condos with majestic views of City Hall.  The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton is all about the service, the highly trained staff will treat you like royalty.  From day one you will know everyone on staff by name, and you will understand why Ritz-Carlton is such a prestigious name worldwide.

Insider Tip: Right outside your door is Suburban Station.  This means you can be go from your condo to downtown Manhattan in less than 90 minutes via Amtrak.

2.The Ayer

Address: 210 W. Washington Square. Philadelphia, PA 19106

Neighborhood: Washington Square

What’s For Sale?: Click Here To View All Available Units

The Vibe: If these wall could talk! The Ayer building was built in 1929 and served as the world headquarters for the nations first advertising agency N.W. Ayer & Son.  The beautiful art deco style stone building is conveniently situated right on Washington Square Park.  The units feature large open layouts with classic design elements which are sure to impress.

Insider Tip: Lookout for famous neighbors such as Chase Utley of  the Philadelphia Phillies

3.The Murano

Address: 2101 Market St. Philadelphia, PA 19103

Neighborhood: Logan Square

What’s For Sale?: Click Here To View All Available Units

The Vibe: Sexy & Sleek! Completed in 2008 this glass facade building is all about style.  Named after the Murano Islands of Italy which are famous for glass making, these units feature full glass walls with stunning views and a private balcony for each unit.  If high style is your thing, than the Murano is a must see!

Insider Tip: You will be eating well while living here.  The very popular Trader Joe’s grocery store is just steps from your front door.

4.Society Hill Towers

Address: 200-220 Locust St. Philadelphia, PA 19106

Neighborhood: Society Hill

What’s For Sale?: Click Here To View All Available Units

The Vibe: The Philadelphia classic! Society Hill Towers are some of the most recognizable buildings for Philadelphian’s when it comes to luxury condos.  The three I.M. Pei designed towers were completed in 1963 and changed the face of luxury living in Philadelphia forever.  The towers are situated on park like setting which is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Center City.  Inside, each unit features floor to ceiling windows which offer stunning views of Philadelphia.

Insider Tip: On the grounds of the complex you will find one of the top middle eastern restaurants in the whole country.  Stop in Zahav for a meal you will not forget!

5.The Symphony House

Address: 440 S. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19146

Neighborhood: Avenue Of The Arts

What’s For Sale?: Click Here To View All Available Units

The Vibe: Are you a fan of the arts? Symphony House is for you!  This luxury building which was completed in 2007 is surrounded by the arts.  Right next door you will find the state of the art Kimmel Center.  Walk another block up and you have the historic Academy of Music.  Let’s not forget about the units, they are top tier with all the luxury features you would expect!

Insider Tip: Are you more a fan of the Philly sports scene?  Right outside your door you will find the Septa Broad St. line, which will get you to stadiums in less than 10 minutes.

6.The Lanesborough

Address: 1601 Locust St. Philadelphia, PA 19103

Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square

What’s For Sale?: Click Here To View All Available Units

The Vibe: Constructed in 1929 this classic building was once home to the university club before being converted into high end luxury condos.  Each residence fills a whole floor of the building, allowing for sprawling layouts with plenty of custom ideas.  Many local celebrities such at Pat Burrell from the Philadelphia Phillies once called this building home!

Insider Tip: Are you into racquet sports?  Or just looking for a fun social club?  Join The Racquet Club of Philadelphia which is located right across the street.  They also have great Friday happy hours for members and friends.

7.The Residences At Two Liberty Place

Address: 50 S. 16th St. Philadelphia, PA 19103

Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square

What’s For Sale?: Click Here To View All Available Units

The Vibe: Ever want to live on top of the world?  Now you can…. well at least the top of Philly.  The Residences at Two Liberty consist of the top 20 floors of one of the most iconic sky scrappers in Philadelphia.  A sale in 2009 set a new record for Philadelphia condos with sale price of  7.7 million dollars.

Insider Tip: Chef Daniel Stern is preparing something delicious for you.  Head to the 37th floor to visit his award winning restaurant R2L.  For best results show up for sunset and enjoy the breathtaking views.

8.The Residences At The Rittenhouse Hotel

Address: 210 W. Rittenhouse Square. Philadelphia, PA 19103

Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square

What’s For Sale?: Click Here To View All Available Units

The Vibe: Half 5-star luxury hotel, half high end condo building.  If you are looking for AAA Five Diamond service while owning a piece of prime Philadelphia real estate, then The Rittenhouse is for you!  Located right on the prestigious Rittenhouse Square Park you will be injected right into the lively social scene of the neighborhood.  Any given weekend you will find art shows, concerts, social event, and much more right outside your doorstep.

Insider Tip: Be sure to check the front desk for complimentary fresh fruit and, or baked goods.  Perfect for when you need a quick snack.

9.Waterfront Square

Address: 901 N. Penn St. Philadelphia, PA 19123

Neighborhood: Northern Liberties

What’s For Sale?: Click Here To View All Available Units

The Vibe: Miami meets Philadelphia! Waterfront Square is the latest condominium addition to the rapidly growing waterfront area.  This gated community is set up like a 5 star resort.  You will be pampered with first class service from the moment you enter the gates.  Everything from valet parking, indoor pool, health club, spa, sun deck, dog walk.  Everything is included!  The units feature great views of the Center City skyline and The Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

Insider Tip: Take a quick walk across the street for an ice cold beer.  Yards Brewery is a favorite among locals, and the brewery is 100 percent wind powered.  Take a tour then check out their ultra cool tasting room.

10.1706 Rittenhouse

Address: 1706 Rittenhouse Square. Philadelphia, PA 19103

Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square

What’s For Sale?: Click Here To View All Available Units

The Vibe: Walk out your door and your in the most vibrant part of town!  1706 Rittenhouse was completed in 2010, and features full floor units with 360 degree views of the city.  Each unit is about 4,100 sq ft. and includes two balconies.  The column free design allows for flowing open layouts which offer many possibilities.  This is one of the hottest addresses in town!

Insider Tip: Don’t miss the automated underground parking garage this is technology the Jetson’s would be proud of.  Click here for the video.

Check out this beautiful condo in the Regatta building at Waterfront Square!  Here are some features:

• Great views of the Ben Franklin Bridge and river as well as a view of the landscaped common area
• Custom kitchen with granite counters, tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances & open floor plan
• Hardwood floors and walk0in closet in bedroom
• Bathroom has a jacuzzi tub and maple & granite vanity

See all the details for 901 N. Penn St. #R1104 Philadelphia, PA 19123

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To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

According to an article on Philly.com by Al Heavens about the Philadelphia Condo Market, Cliff Lee of the Philadelphia Phillies settled on a condo in Center City at 1706 Rittenhouse in Rittenhouse Square.

1706 Rittenhouse is a brand new building, which opened last May, and is considered by many to be the most exclusive residence in all of Center City. The gem of Rittenhouse Square with 29 full floor units; virtually column free space, floor to ceiling windows open to expansive views, 10 to 20 ft. ceilings, two terraces for each unit and the top of the line finishes make this the most desirable address in Philadelphia. Each unit has over 4100 square feet of customizable space. Common amenities include state of the art fitness center with sauna, massage rooms, endless pool, private boardroom and garden. Architecture was done by Cope Linder and Interior Designs are by Karen Daroff of Daroff Design, two of Philadelphia’s best. Included in each unit price is an on-site parking space in the fully automated, state of the art, underground garage.

“It feels great to land back here in Philadelphia. . . . Here I am, I never wanted to leave this place in the first place… It’s exciting. It’s a historic town. I didn’t realize until I got here how interesting the city is.  My family really liked it.” -Cliff Lee philly.com

It’s great to see Philly athletes moving into Center City and calling Philadelphia home rather than moving out to the suburbs or over the river to Jersey.  That says a lot about how great a place it is to live.  Phillies’ second basemen Chase Utley and Eagles’ quarterback Michael Vick both own condos in town as well.  Other Phillies such as Jimmy Rollins, Cole Hamels, and Ryan Howard are often dining at the fine establishments in Rittenhouse Square.

So check out our Exclusive Center City Listings and our extensive Philadelphia Condo Directory and become neighbors with your favorite Philly athletes!

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

The Waterfront Square auction which occurred November 24^th,was successful in determining market price but the seller decided that after 29 sold he was finished.  The auctioneer was quoted as saying “We could have sold 50”.  Accelerated Marketing Partners says they stopped the auction because they got what developer and boss, Doron Gelfand, had wanted.  The average units sold in this auction for $329,000, mostly to empty-nesters and first-time buyers. The prices were originally listed at around $470,000+.

The event drew 74 registered bidders and over 100 spectators and stopped after 40 minutes once prices for the Northern Liberties building seemed properly appointed.  Accelerated Marketing also ran recent auctions at the Murano and Phoenix buildings.

If you are interested in Philadelphia Condos, be sure to check out the most extensive Philadelphia Condo Directory in the city.

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

Philadelphia’s condo market remains strong in the third quarter despite the rough economy.  The strongest sales segment is still the lower and middle segments below $500K.  Most sales went to first time buyers and a lot of buyers came from outside of Philadelphia to start school or new jobs.

Recent auctions at the Phoenix did its part to boost sales numbers.  The upcoming November 21^st auction at Waterfront Square will contribute 35 more units with minimum bids that will range from $195K to $415K.  Nine Murano units sold during the third quarter with prices ranging between $450K and $895K.  Nine other sales occurred at Ten Rittenhouse Square during the third quarter with a price range of $616,800 to $3.7 million and one unit selling for $7.17 million, despite the controversial legal battle between lenders.  The third quarters most expensive condo transaction was $10.7 million for 40 unit American at 212 Brown St. in Northern Liberties.  Hawthorne Lofts at 12^th and Fitzwater Streets have sold 14 units ranging between $149,900 to $279,900 and have 3 more under agreement.

Realtors and developers say that they have seen an increase in interest from buyers who are motivated by the record low interest rates of 4.17% for 30 year fixed mortgages.

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

Check out our extensive Philadelphia Condo Directory

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

35 condos will go to auction at 4pm Sunday, November 21^st.  Each unit will start at a minimum price about 60% off the original selling price.  “I cannot fight the market.  The people will come, and at the end of the day, they’ll decide the real price.” -Developer Doron Gelfand.

The first two towers at Waterfront Square, which were built in 2005 and 2006, are completely sold out with the exception of one unit.  The units that will be auctioned off are in the newest building, called the Reef.  It wasn’t finished until April 2009 due to the poor economy which caused one of the lenders, Lehman Bros., to collapse.  Before the financial crisis began this building was 72% filled with presales but only 12% of them ended up closing.

Some people seem skeptical of Waterfront Square because of the newest next door neighbor, the SugarHouse Casino.   According to Philly.com, current residents have welcomed the existence of SugarHouse.  One initial concern was about increased traffic in this section of Northern Liberties right off the waterfront.  But traffic congestion never really became a problem since the casino is open at all hours.  The casino has even increased resident’s feeling of security because of the increased presence of police activity.  Many residents especially appreciate the improved aesthetics of the once vacant area in regards to new landscape and a promenade along the river.

“I am very excited to have the casino for lots of reasons.  It’s a nice modern building. They spent $4 million on landscaping. The casino executives are thoughtful and receptive.  They seem to want to be good neighbors.”   “Myself and other residents have a new place to stroll.  We feel like we are in the middle of all the fun and activity now.”

Auctions such as these are taking place more frequently due to the current real estate market.  The hope is to be able to reduce unsold inventory and stir up some interest in the real estate market as a whole.

If you are interested in Philadelphia Condos, be sure to check out the most extensive Philadelphia Condo Directory in the city.

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com