Architecture Wednesday: Tacony Saving Fund Safe Deposit & Title Company

This is the Tacony Saving Fund Safe Deposit & Title Company building at the corner of Tulip St and Longshore Ave in Philadelphia. Designed in a monumental style intended to instill confidence and trust in their customers, the building housed the trust on the first floor, a community library on the second, and a lodge room for Tacony Lodge No. 600 on the third.

Today the Tacony building is one of Philadelphia’s finest examples of adaptive reuse, offering the most discerning buyer a glorious melding of old and new, industrial and cozy, vintage and modern. Built in 1893, this handsome red brick building boasts prominent, full-story Sullivanesqe arched windows spanning both facades with a modern entrance at the west end.

Once inside, find everything you’d expect from such a commanding structure: sun-soaked open spaces, soaring ceilings, columns, steel beams, exposed ductwork and burnished metal. The patinaed hardwood floors, tin ceilings and vault honor the building’s previous lives and history and a freight elevator is a nod to turn-of-the-century industrial design.

At ground level is a spacious open floorplan filled with incredible architectural detail, yet uniquely suited to comfortable everyday living it features defined, cozy spaces while remaining open and loft-like. Here, a piano and music area take center stage against a backdrop of colorful art and plants. A gas fireplace in the corner reading nook anchors a cozy section of the room and provides a reprieve from the chill of crisp winter evenings.

The kitchen is practical and functional with painted black flooring, open shelving, and a door to the beautiful side garden. The industrial shelving, paper lantern light fixtures, wide transom windows, and corner fireplace meld seamlessly into the design of the room. A cheerful light-filled bedroom with a gold tin ceiling, an office, and a full bath fill out the main floor. Downstairs is a full basement with laundry, a workshop with elevator access.

On the second floor is a creative’s dream. Statement arched windows line the south wall, flooding the floor with natural light. Formerly the Jack Costello Boxing Club, this space holds a rich history in the neighborhood. A wide-open blank slate with columns and soaring ceilings allow for endless uses: a workshop, painting or ceramics studio, and gym are just a few ideas. A guest suite with a full kitchen and half bath are open to allow light to bounce throughout the space.

The third floor is currently home to a full-service recording studio carefully designed around the principles of room acoustics. A state-of-the-art control room and monitoring station, soundproof isolation booth, and a spectacular live room with exposed ductwork and vaulted tongue and groove ceilings create a wow factor. Also included on the floor is a traveling musician’s guest suite complete with a kitchenette, sunny bedroom, an office, and a renovated full bath.

Nestled in the Tacony a historic neighborhood along the Delaware River you’ll find a vibrant community with a rich history, industrial heritage, and a strong sense of civic pride. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016, the Tacony Disston District is distinguished by its large park and trail system and train access to New York and Philadelphia. In a neighborhood rife with historic architecture, this adaptive reuse is an architectural marvel. A truly exceptional property with charm and thoughtful renovations in a soul-filled building.

And for just $1M USD.

As always click to emBIGGERzate …

Dwell

Architecture Wednesday 1908 Industrial Live/Work Space

I realize this is not for everyone, but I admire the vast space of the work area and the clean, modern lives of the living areas … with gardens and views, too.

In a city where most windows overlook greenery or bustling streets, this property offers a rare and unique view: a window onto art and creativity. Behind the facade of a former electricity warehouse built in 1908 is an exceptional live/workspace that harmoniously blends industrial history and contemporary comfort.

Since 2009, the current owner has been transforming the warehouse into a studio and residential space. The result? An impressive main building of 3000 square feet and a forty-tw0 foot high ceiling, where metal trusses, tall windows, and distinctive brickwork set the tone. Up the iron stairs, a bright 1300 square foot living space with an open-plan kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom; next door is a separate studio, ideal for guests or creative projects, and a spacious office overlooking the garden. At the rear, two warehouses/workshops, various storage spaces, and a cellar await meaning it can become whatever you might want or need. Practicality has also been considered throughout with five private parking spaces behind an automatic gate on the left, and an intimate 860 square foot  city garden on the right.

The loft is well placed for city living, with neighborhood cafés and shops nearby. Park Spoor Noord is a short walk away, while Antwerp’s historic center, the Eilandje docklands and central station are all easily reached.

This is a unique opportunity to merge life, work and art under one roof and all for $1.5M.

The Spaces