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Mon
Sep 26
2011

Unusual Looking Building of the Week: 449 N 13th St.

This building in the Spring Garden neighborhood was built fairly recently and it looks like nothing we’ve ever seen. Surrounded by rehabbed warehouses, this skinny building sits among several currently vacant lots.

Half built

All the way built

 

A closer look

The building contains two condo units. One has been on the market for more than a year, with 1500 sqft of interior space, 1 bedroom, 1.5 bathrooms, and listed at $350K. The other unit has never been on the market and is about twice the size. Owner’s unit, we assume?

Numerous homes have been built within a few blocks of this building in recent years, and many of them have the standard Philadelphia row house look, with brick facades and bay windows (yes, many of the bays are stucco). This building clearly pays homage to the industrial buildings that surround it, with windows that resemble those of a warehouse and its use of red steel for structural and aesthetic purposes. The building’s appearance, while fairly unique for residences, actually fits in really well with the buildings in the area- it being surrounded by empty lots probably makes it stand out a little more than it should.

We’re totally on board with this unique look, and we’re loving the modern interpretation of the neighborhood’s past.

9
COMMENTS
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Posted in Spring Garden | Tagged , , | 9 Comments
  • _dan

    Very cool, would love to see interior photos.

  • 3rd&Brown

    I like it as well.

  • Guest

    What are all of those vents on the North side?  A dozen washers and dryers?  And, I assume it has no side windows because another house can be built right next to it but what will happen to those vents!

  • Ericclaywarner

    Awesome. Create fusion of old with new. Industrial with Residential. Spot on for the neighborhood. Too bad the unit has not sold. Maybe it would entice for some more of this design and build a neighborhood identity. 

  • http://twitter.com/pkieper Paul Kieper

    The sales listing linked above has some interior photos.  Or you can click here: http://bit.ly/qZrYTk

  • _dan

    Thanks, now I like it even more.  If I was searching this would be on the top of my list…save the garage not available.

  • Mood

    I hope someone buys this soon. It has been vacant for a really long time now. I’m afraid the price may be a bit too steep for the neighborhood.

  • Kenster

    Exterior A-, interior F.  I can see why it hasn’t sold.  Overpriced for the neighborhood and especially for the apparent quality and detailing of the interior finishes.  Very frustrating, actually.  To me this one is a total bait-and-switch.  Ooooh, outside pretty!  Oh, inside is one very small step above contractor grade.  Very disappointing.  Clearly did not have a good interior designer or architect involved.  Most likely a builder who thought they could do it better or was too cheap to hire someone.  I’m sorry about the negative tone about this, but this type of bland interior modern construction drives me nuts.  It doesn’t take that much more time or money to create something truly beautiful.

  • http://nakedphilly.com/spring-garden/redevelopment-on-the-way-next-door-to-unusual-building/ Redevelopment On the Way Next Door to Unusual Building | NakedPhilly

    [...] in September, we brought an odd building to your attention in the Loft District. 449 N 13th St. is a new construction building with two condo units that [...]

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