The Phoenix History
Built in 1925, The Phoenix condo is the former headquarters of
the Insurance Company of North America (INA), for many years the oldest
shareholder-owned insurance company in the nation. Awarded National
Historic Landmark status, The Phoenix, in its new incarnation, retains
opulent details that have graced the structure since its inception—coffered
ceilings, Kasota and Carrera marble floors and walls, ornate bronze
paneled elevators, and elaborate mill and plaster work. Every care
was taken to preserve the historic details of the Georgian Revival
Tower while designing and constructing the building with the most modern
technologies and amenities available. The coalescence of old-fashioned
craftsmanship and contemporary design gives The Phoenix an elegance
rarely seen in modern construction.
The Insurance Company of North America was founded in 1792 by a group
of prominent Philadelphians who created the first publicly owned insurer
in the country. In 1922, after more than a century of international
success, INA commissioned prominent Philadelphia architect Stewardson
and Page to create a grand new headquarters to reflect the firm’s status. “INA wanted to build a monument to
its leadership,” says developer Daniel J. Keating, III. “The Phoenix
is built to last for the ages.”
The structure’s granite, brick, and limestone facades, punctuated by enormous
bronze doors and tall bronze-framed windows, give both symbolic and practical
value to the building, which was built to protect the firm’s banking room
and financial assets. A steel building frame and foot-thick concrete floors give
The Phoenix remarkable stability and soundproofing. An abundance of double-hung
windows provide natural light from all directions and inspiring views.
The Renovation
The Phoenix underwent a major renovation in 2002. Every care was taken to preserve
the architectural beauty of the Georgian Revival Tower while providing a “new” building
with the latest of technologies and energy efficiency.
- Wires for high speed internet and digital cable
- Wireless internet in common areas
- State-of-the-art life safety system featuring a hard wire alarm with voice annunciation and offsite monitoring
- Comprehensive fire sprinkler system
- New elevator cabs and electronics
- Central trash chute system
- Water source heat pumps in each unit and throughout common areas with individually controlled heat and air conditioning
- Insulated double pane operable windows
- Copper plumbing, water pumps and central hot water system( each unit is individually metered)
- Dual feed electrical service with a back-up emergency generator( each unit is individually metered)
- A rubber membrane roof with a 20 year warranty
Learn about: The
Phoenix Team