One-hundred and ninety-three thousand: That was the estimated Center City population at the end of 2018, according to the 2019 Center City District report. That’s a 22% increase in that area’s population since 2000, spurred on by a building boom that has brought a record 2,810 new residential units to market and $7.1 billion in new downtown investment during 2018 alone. And even now, as we near the end of 2019, there are new projects popping up everywhere, several of which offer a luxury spin. To escape the city life without actually leaving, look to Bock Development Group’s 2100 Hamilton (2100 Hamilton St., 2100hamilton.com). Situated right on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, owners have close proximity to art meccas like the Barnes Foundation and Rodin Museum, plus their very own ½-acre garden oasis into which to disappear, designed by Sikora Wells Appel Landscape Architecture. Starting at $2.1 million, the Cecil Baker + Partners Architects-designed condominiums also feature expansive balconies with city skyline views—expected completion for the 29-unit address is 2021.
On the Avenue of the Arts, Post Brothers’ Atlantic Building (1401 Spruce St., 215.883.2005, theatlanticbuilding.com) is awaiting its next resident to rent the remaining bi-level penthouse, where $20,000 per month buys a private outdoor space, personal elevator access, and a tricked-out fitness center with Peloton bikes and recovery-focused his-and-hers spa facilities. Think dry saunas, steam rooms, and Hydro Massage beds. Lastly, EB Realty Management Corp’s new 290-apartment project Mural West (523 N. Broad St.) is focusing on community engagement and art thanks to a design collaboration with Mural Arts Philadelphia and the seven-story mural “Common Threads” by Meg Saligman. Located in the courtyard of the residences, the mural is a pillar for both the residential and North Broad community, and will be the backdrop to outside dining, events and art installations when the building opens in 2021. The 32-story tower joins the corporation’s impressive résumé, including The Divine Lorraine Hotel, Lofts 640, and The Met.
