PHILADELPHIA | The Freeman Condominiums @ 1810 Chestnut | 312 FT | 26 FLOORS
 

The phrase, "those in glass homes" won't have to apply here, since luckily the developers seem to have covered all of the walls in concrete:

Title: The Freeman Condominiums at 1810 Chestnut Street
Project: Residential
Architect: Cecil Baker + Eric Leighton
Developer: Astoban
Location: 1810 Chestnut
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
District: Center City
Floors: 26 Floors
Height: 312 Ft

http://www.rising.realestate/wp-cont...g-1024x827.png

Previous plans:
https://i.imgur.com/sJzhAKm.png

https://i.imgur.com/y8LlniT.png

Submission to Historical Council
https://www.phila.gov/media/20190618...SsNWo86k7Ccjwk

I really hope the front of this building is glass. It has to be - right?

There's no way they'd build this without any windows. I think we should wait until an actual rendering comes to panic.

The Historical Commission... Liked this one? Weirdly? Maybe that means it isn't all concrete:

‘Overbuild’ projects planned to turn historic Freeman’s auction house and Nelson Building into condos
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate...-20190619.html

These comments are a bit confusing, is 1806 being completely torn down or just receives a facadectomy? That's actually a pretty nice building despite being labeled as "non-historic". The crude massing shows it as a distinct structure that houses retail. I'm not sure why they would tear it down and then replace it with something of identical scale.

I'm pretty sure it's a facadectomy.

No, they are proposing to tear 1806 down. Only 1810 is getting the facadectomy. Here's the thing...Astoban has not actually purchased 1806. This entire project is "conceptual" and seeking to figure out what the architectural committee and historic commission will let them do. And when people are saying they "liked it" that means than an initial staff review recommended approval. Consideration by the full architectural committee is to take place on June 25, and the full Historical Commission on July 12, I believe.

Any word on what the Architectural Committee recommended today as to this one?? Aaamazarite?

The committee asked them to come back with a redesign-- they were ok with the height but didn't like the balconies in front. I was at the meeting but I got distracted with something important right as they were having this conversation so forgive me if that's not totally accurate.

Thanks for the info. Good re the height as it's fine. I hope they police the cladding as well as architectural features...

From the lowrise thread:

This is the overbuild the article refers to.

^
thanks, McGrath!

As per the Highrise Thread:

good

My thoughts exactly.

Not Baker’s worst by any means, but I can’t help but wish this building was designed to match the gorgeous style of its base.

This project looks great! Also looks to be up to 24 floors now in total. Build it! :cheers:

It would be interesting to see a concept that did that. As much of a traditionalist as I am, I tend to like contrasting (but sympathetic) materials and designs. Sometimes that sets off and enhances both the old and new portions of the structure. Think of the colonial houses that had various additions over the decades/centuries using different materials. I think this especially works when a low rise receives a high-rise addition. Otherwise you just get a larger version of the original structure (which can work great too in the right circumstances).

They also intend to retain the Freeman signage on the western side of the present building by keeping that wall of the elevator house intact.

"Preservation of the painted Freeman's Auction graphic is proposed. To achieve this, the west wall and a portion of the north wall of the existing elevator overrun and machine room will be retained. An enclosure similar to the original mass will be part of the 7th floor dwelling unit, providing natural light and access to a terrace at the existing roof level. The roof of this terrace is proposed to be a terrace for the 8th floor dwelling unit."

https://www.phila.gov/media/20200518...hestnut-St.pdf

https://www.phila.gov/media/20200610...nut-St-rev.pdf

This will take a long time to find the necessary funding to do the construction.

19-Story Overbuild of Freeman’s Auction House Approved by Historical Commission

http://www.rising.realestate/wp-cont...g-1024x827.png

Read more here:
http://www.rising.realestate/19-stor...zu6y7iYQdDe_28