Philadelphia Apartment Rental Leasing Office: 215.351.1535

If you stroll down Front or Chestnut streets, home of Waterfront II, it would be like taking a walk back in time. This is one of the oldest street corners in America, dating back to a time when old city Philadelphia was the conscience and center of activity in the newly United States of America.

In 18th century Philadelphia, streets like these usually served two purposes: commercial and residential. Business was conducted on the first floor and the upper floors served as residences for the merchants and businessmen. By the mid-19th century, as Old City continued to prosper as a port and center for commerce, many of the smaller colonial-era structures were razed and replaced by taller buildings that were more appropriate for manufacturing and warehousing.

The impressive brick and granite structure that corners Front & Chestnut was probably rebuilt or expanded during the 1870's as its purpose changed with the times. The history of Old City in general and 106 S. Front Street in particular underwent a dramatic rebirth almost 100 years later. By the late 1970's, many of the old buildings in Old City had outlived their usefulness and the area became a graveyard of rundown properties. A new development company, Historic Landmarks for Living, had the revolutionary notion that many of these rundown relics could be transformed into luxurious apartment residences.

The prominent property at the corner of Front & Chestnut was revitalized by Historic Landmarks and became Waterfront II in 1982, about the same time nine other architecturally significant and historically certified properties on neighboring streets were being restored by the company. Almost overnight, new cafes and boutiques opened in Old City, other developers came in to redevelop rundown buildings, and soon historic Old City was the hottest place to live in Philadelphia.

The revolution started by Historic Landmarks has led to an exciting evolution. Today, the dynamic growth continues in Old City, and residents of Waterfront II are right on the corner of it all.

Philadelphia Apartment Rental Leasing Office: 215.351.1535