This edition of Around the block was originally published on Friday, 12/6/19. Please note that the Open Houses that are listed herein have passed. Some of the events may have passed as well. This issue is full of fun stuff to do in Philly and new Coming Soon listings. Enjoy. And remember, if you would like to schedule a tour of any of the properties you see below, please reach out to jeff@jefficityblock and we’ll get it all set up according to a time and date that works best for you. Have a great week.
Volume 18: Issue 51 12/6/19
Your Weekly Dose of Real Estate News, Open Houses, Listings and More — by Jeff “City” Block
Vetri, Le Bec-Fin, La Panetière: The Illustrious Culinary History of 1312 Spruce Street
This is a headline pulled from a recent, fascinating Billy Penn article (Originally published November 2015; updated November 2019), which focuses on one particular building but also touches on the City’s history as well.
It is a quick and interesting read about 1312 Spruce Street, a building (originally a townhome) that has housed some of Philly’s (and the nation’s) finest restaurants. A few realizations jumped out:
1. “Throughout the 19th century, Philly was engaged in a battle for ‘metropolitan supremacy’ with NYC.” Yikes. I guess you can’t win them all. But really, we won the “livability” battle. We won that one big.
2. 1312 Spruce and all of the grand 19th and early 20th-century brownstones up and down Spruce Street (and other similar blocks) were all single-family homes at one time. Many of these have been converted to apartments and condos in the 20th century. It’s pretty much impossible to break up a building now.
3.
I think Vetri is the best restaurant in the country.
Coincidentally, I have a listing coming soon that ties into this story—501 S 45th, a character-laden corner property with a 2-car garage in the Penn Alexander Catchment in University City. It is also a home that has been used as a restaurant for decades. The restaurant was Marigold Kitchen, which is where Restaurateurs/Authors, Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook (left) started their partnership. Michael Solomonov worked in Marc Vetri’s kitchen at 1312 Spruce, then moved on to 501 S 45th.
Above Photo: Google Street Images
1312 Spruce may never be for sale, but 501 S 45th is. 501 S 45th is the southeast corner of 45th & Larchwood. It could continue as a restaurant or a buyer could create an amazing single-family home with 2-car GARAGE, outdoor space, and great character. Available for $699,000. The adjoining twin, 503 S 45th (right)is also available for $550,000.
As always, please
know that I’m humbled by and appreciative of your introductions and referrals. If you have a friend, colleague, or family member that is in need of expert Real Estate representation, please send them my way. Be assured, I will do my best to exceed their expectations! Thanks for taking the time to read this issue of Around the Block.
OPEN HOUSE: SATURDAY, 12/7/19 (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.) 4 Bed | 2.5 Bath $1,395,000
Exquisite, renovated historic home with spectacular character and adjacent parking to the home. Large brick patio. This c. 1816 home has the best of all worlds, a pristine high-end renovation, most- convenient location, wonderful light, and significant original character from the early 19th century. The custom renovation was completed by esteemed Philadelphia architects Voith and MacTavish. With 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a family room, this home offers high ceilings, original random-width pine floors throughout, huge windows, moldings, Pennsylvania Blue Marble (exterior front steps, mantles), original doors and wood trim. Amazing space and layout. The ground level is actually an “English” Lower Level space (i.e., only a few feet below grade so nice windows and light). It offers an ideal open main living area–high-end chef’s kitchen, open dining area, and comfortable family room. Walkout to patio. The kitchen offers custom Leicht Cabinetry, Miele and Sub-Zero appliances, quartz tops, and wonderful storage.
Amazing location with a 98 WalkScore. Close to tons of restaurants, cafes, Whole Foods, dog park, parks, and everything Wash West and Center City have to offer. McCall School Catchment. NOTE ON PARKING: Seller paid assigned parking space through 12/31/2020 in the lot directly adjacent to the home. Also, a 2nd space available for purchase in the French Village Parking Garage at 254 S 9th for $60,000.
Compass has many Coming Soon listings in the Philadelphia area. Click here to see all of the Compass Coming Soon Listings in Philly this week.
If you have any interest or questions, please contact me to discuss. Below are Coming Soon listings from the
City Block Team.
501 S 45th & 503 S 45th Street
University City
Double-Corner Property
& 2-Car Garage
Properties are also
available separately 501 S 45th: $699,000 503 S 45th: $550,000
4623 Spruce Street
University City
3200 SF 3.5-Story Twin
$449,000
407 S 43rd Street
University City
Quadplex
in Penn Alexander Catchment $500,000
173 W Price Street
Germantown
3 Bed | 2 Bath
$350,000
Fun Philly Stuff
For Hungry Night Owls
Coffee Cafés. 24-Hour Diners. Late Night Bites…no matter what you call them, nocturnal dwellings are somewhat of a scarcity here in Philly. Sure there are old favorites like Melrose and South Street Diner, but a crop of new-comers have much more to offer than a cup a joe and a plate of scrapple. This list by Billy Penn rounds up the tried and true plus a few newbies. Not mentioned is a spot that is getting a lot of attention – Bloomsday (414 S 2nd Street—open ’til 10:00 p.m. Mon. – Sat.). It’s a stand-out with a cool vibe IMHO.
For West Philly Jawn Fans Saturday, 12/7 at Bartram’s Garden (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
West Philly-based Workshop School students will be selling their “Jawnaments” (left) and other handmade festive ornaments at the annual Handmade Holiday Greens Sale and Market (5400 Lindbergh Blvd.). Expect a great selection of beautiful trees, bare wreaths, homespun centerpieces, and fresh evergreens. (Think fewer lights and tinsel and more popcorn and cranberries). There will also be make-and-take sessions, music, activities for kids, a baking competition and more. You can view the entire vendor list here. Did I mention the firepits, s’mores and chestnuts?
For Zealous Shoppers Christmas Village Now through 12/24 at Love Park
The vendors and German-inspired food are interesting, and there are some pretty fun events going on too. For example, this weekend is Mascot Weekend featuring a fun parade, especially great for kids. It’s spearheaded by Mascots for a Cure and a Moment of Magic Foundation in an effort to fight childhood cancer. This event starts at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, 12/7 and finishes up on Sunday, 12/8 at 7:00 p.m. You can view the entire schedule here.
For Festive Historians Deck the Alley
Saturday, 12/7,
3:00- 7:00 p.m.
This throwback holiday happening is the last opportunity of the year for ticket holders to enter the private historic homes on Elfreth’s Alley. Like the house exteriors themselves, some of the interiors beckon from a bygone era, while other styles are more modern and make use of space in unexpected ways. It’s fun to compare and contrast all of the homes.
Santa Claus will be there as will colonial carolers. The entire street will be reimagined as a spectacular seasonal spot that will undoubtedly look like a movie set.
Parking
OPEN HOUSE: SAT 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
SPOTLIGHT PROPERTY
Wash West
4 Bed | 2.5 Bath $1,395,000
2138 Catharine Street
Garage Parking
Graduate Neighborhood
3 Bed | 2.5 Bath
Finished Lower Level
$925,000
507 S 45th Street
University City
4 Bed | 2.5 Bath $749,900
2024 Spruce Street #6
REDUCED
OPEN HOUSE:
SAT 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
and SUN 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Rittenhouse Square
1 Bed | 1 Bath
$440,000
240 W Penn Street
Germantown
3 Bed | 1.5 Bath | New Construction
$269,500
1934 Dudley Street
REDUCED
West Passyunk
2 Bed | 1.5 Bath $205,000
2401 Pennsylvania Avenue #2A2
REDUCED
Art Museum
1 Bed | 1 Bath
$200,000
1324 Locust Street #505
Avenue of the Arts
Studio $120,000
Meet all of the Agents on the
City Block Team
(Click on photo above)
Now Under Contract
109-11 Pine Street $1,700,000 276 S 23rd Street $995,000
312 S Phillip Street $975,000
2138 Catharine Street $925,000
4530 Locust Street $775,000 1807 Addison Street $649,900
4602 Springfield Avenue $649,000
2108 Carpenter Street $640,000
4710 Kingsessing Avenue $569,000 4248 Regent Square $525,000 4625 Pine Street, #F310 $389,000 2219 S 18th Street $232,500
1665 Conklin Street $ 175,000
Last but not Least…
I was bummed to hear the news of Curbed Philly’s decision to shut down after 8 years. The story broke on Twitter. According to this article, the site will be populated with evergreen articles until the end of the year. I thought their writing was always on point, fair, and informative. Reporters of the digital pub, owned by Vox Media, had covered me and many of my listings over the years, and for that I’m grateful. I will miss you, Curbed Philly!
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Some imagery in this e-newsletter was sourced via Visit Philadelphia®. Pixabay, Canva.com, and pexels.com
Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of a description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of
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