Phone | 267.322.5020
Fax | 267.322.5022
Sales Center Hours:
Monday - Sunday 11am to 4pm
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THE PHOENIX REBORN AS UPSCALE CONDOS
-Rachel Vigoda
New Homes Magazine, Hollister Publication Services
The Philadelphia Inquirer
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Luxury condos now are available at The Phoenix, at 1600 Arch Street in Center City. The Keating Group purchased the Georgian-style property about five years ago, turning the former corporate headquarters of the Insurance Company of North America into The Phoenix apartments. Today, the builder is responding to a marketplace demand for home ownership by converting the apartments into condos.
“The Phoenix is the most extraordinary building in the city,” says Dan Keating, chairman and chief executive officer of The Keating Group. “It was built in a time when style and architectural appointments were demanded, and money was no object. We have sculpted the building into Philadelphia’s premier residential community, and I’m very proud to be part of it.”
Laura Williamson moved into The Phoenix in the summer of 2002. When the building was converted, she purchased her unit.
“I looked at many options throughout Philadelphia and found no property that offered all of the benefits that I’ve come to appreciate at The Phoenix, from the floor plan to all of the amenities,” says Williamson. “Knowing the building staff and how thoughtful and responsive they are, and knowing that the building is run very well, were also a big plus.”
The Phoenix features 267 residences; about 60,000 square feet of commercial retail space – half of which is occupied by the Keating Group; and 150 parking spaces.
The location, at the intersection of 16 th and Arch Streets and the Ben Franklin Parkway, overlooking Love Park and across the park from City Hall “is another big plus,” says Williamson. “The Parkway is an increasingly exciting place to be. The city is working on ideas about how to enhance the Parkway, and The Phoenix is perfectly positioned for that.”
It’s also perfectly positioned for getting into and out of the city, as it’s set just south of the entrance to the expressway, and on top of Suburban Station. Residents can access the trains and subway via The Phoenix’s two story atrium, without ever stepping outside.
Dr. David Targan rented at The Phoenix for a year before purchasing a one-bedroom unit. He was attracted to the Building’s easy access to I-76, and its convenience to museums and fine dining.
“The Phoenix is at the center of everything, within walking distance of all Philadelphia has to offer,” says Targan. “I love living here.”
The circa-1925 building—a National Historic Landmark—underwent massive renovation when Keating bought it, but the key historical elements were maintained, including the main lobby, the plaster ceilings, the granite Corinthian columns, the marble hallways, the chandeliers, and the boardroom, with its 25-foot ceiling.
Modern highlights of the building include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a rooftop terrace, 24-hour concierge services, a doorman, private storage rooms, electronic card entry at the main entrances and the elevators, wireless internet throughout the common areas and onsite valet parking.
The condos themselves are available in 32 different floorplans, all with high ceilings and expansive views through large windows. “From my unit, I look east at City Hall and Love Park—it’s phenomenal. There’s no view like it in the city,” Williamson says.
The residences also feature open gourmet kitchens with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops; washers and dryers; hard-wood floors and carpeting; and porcelain tile in the baths.
The Phoenix sales gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
THE DETAILS
NAME: The Phoenix
ADDRESS: 1600 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
NEARBY LANDMARKS: Gateway to the Parkway’s Museum Mile, Ben Franklin Parkway
PHONE: 267-322-5020
WEBSITE: www.phillyphoenix.com
TYPE OF HOUSING: Condominiums
NUMBER OF UNITS: 267
PRICE RANGE: From the mid-$200s
MANAGEMENT: The Keating Group
AMENITIES: Underground parking garage with valet service, state-of-the-art fitness center, rooftop terrace, 24-hour concierge service.
SHOPPING AND RESTAURANTS: The Phoenix Salon and Spa, Starbucks and Tir Na Nog Bar and Grill, all onsite; The Fountain at The Four Seasons; Whole Foods; Reading Terminal Market.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: SEPTA train and subway lines are accessible from the building’s atrium.
LOCATION: The Phoenix is located at the intersection of 16 th Street, Arch Street and the Ben Franklin Parkway. It overlooks Love Park in Center City Philadelphia.