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Chocolate Works - Building |
Chocolate Works Apartments, 231 North 3rd St, Philadelphia PA 19106 | ||||||||||
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The Chocolate Works is a complex of five
unique landmark manufacturing buildings
with one common ingredient: an artful
blending of original architectural
details and contemporary amenities
to create one of the most tasteful apartment
residences in town! |
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Philadelphia Apartment Rental Leasing Office: 215.351.1535In 1902 the production plants were thriving in Philadelphia's original old city district. The proximity of the waterfront for shipping and commerce, and the rail yards that used to line Delaware Avenue for transportation, made Old City the perfect location for bustling factories. One of those was the Wilbur Chocolate Company, a renowned confectioner dating back to the mid-1800's, and was the first name in chocolates before Hershey was even born.What distinguished the Wilbur factory on North Third Street from other manufacturers along "Confectioner's Row" was the fact that their facility was a complex of industrial buildings, each unique in its own architectural style but joined together over a period of time to form one imposing facility. The first building was built in 1902 and successive structures were added through 1919. The original building was noted for its solid brick and timber construction, and the unique combination of arched and circular porthole windows. The next building was hailed for its Georgian Revival architectural style, including such details as Doric columns and dentiled cornices. Remaining buildings were built in the same flavor, heavy on brick and timber beams, generous in its use of high ceilings and oversized windows and expansive work spaces. 
For almost 40 years the Wilbur factory churned out its
world-famous chocolate products, including the bite-sized Buds that were
the candy of choice at theaters, vaudeville houses, amusement arcades, baseball
parks, expositions and fairs, as well as corner candy stores.By the mid-20th century urban industrial areas, such as downtown Philadelphia, saw manufacturing shift gears to suburban and small town centers across the country. It was no surprise when Wilbur wrapped up operation in Philadelphia and moved to Lititz, PA. The Wilbur complex served a variety of commercial purposes for the next 30 years, but none as exciting as when Historic Landmarks for Living gave it new life in 1983 at a cost of $12 million and transformed the complex into The Chocolate Works. 
Great care was taken to preserve the significant architectural
details of the past and blend them with contemporary amenities. The exterior
was reconfigured to create an elaborate forecourt with a charming Victorian-style
trellis and unique landscaping. One building was gutted down to its skeletal
steel and timber frames to fashion an interior courtyard, serving as a living
sculpture and a wonderful viewpoint from the handsome, glass-walled lobby.
Other building exteriors were restored to their original appearances.Walk through the labyrinth of brick-walled hallways to the entry doors that are topped with backlit arches and you'll find the apartments are every bit as extraordinary. Exposed wood beams and ceilings add an air of drama, while the huge sun-catching windows bathe interiors with plenty of natural light. Some apartments feature decks or balconies with dazzling river or courtyard views. Most residences offer incomparable design details, such as built-in shelves, breakfast bars, elongated entry hallways, innovative platform or bi-level floorplans that will appeal to your sense of style, and a full complement of luxury features and conveniences. Why live in an ordinary apartment building when you can treat yourself to living in a landmark like The Chocolate Works...a building that blends history with artful design and all the quality ingredients you could possibly want! Philadelphia Apartment Rental Leasing Office: 215.351.1535 |
CHOCOLATE WORKS - OLD CITY PHILADELPHIA APARTMENT AVAILABILITYApartments From $1195 |
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| Apartment # | Apartment Type | Sq. Ft. | Available |
| CHOCOLATE WORKS 217 | 1BR/1B | 720 | 7/15/08 |
| CHOCOLATE WORKS 205 | 1BR/1B/Loft | 670 | 8/1/08 |
| CHOCOLATE WORKS 212 | 1BR/1B/Loft | 630 | 8/15/08 |
| CHOCOLATE WORKS 204 | 1BR/1B/Loft | 565 | 9/15/08 |
| CHOCOLATE WORKS 410 | 1BR/1B | 550 | 9/15/08 |
| rent subject to change | |||
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Chocolate Works Apartments, 231 North 3rd St., Philadelphia PA 19106 - Philadelphia Apartment For Rent