Philadelphia Apartment Rental Leasing Office: 215.351.1535

Imagine what life was like in colonial Philadelphia. As the birthplace of America the city was the center of government and commerce and everything else that was important to everyday life in the new nation.

Everything centered around the old city neighborhood, from the busy port of the Delaware River back to Independence Hall on 6th Street. The cobblestoned streets were lined with businesses, shops, inns and stalls where farmers and fishermen sold their daily catch. Most of the buildings in the area housed statesmen, bankers and merchants, or they served as prominent landmarks in the governing of America.

Back in the 18th century most of the building on the streets and alleyways of Old City served two purposes: business was conducted on the first floor and the businessmen lived on the upper floors. By the mid-1800’s, as Old City continued to prosper as the business center of America, the smaller colonial-era buildings were razed and replaced with taller buildings that were more suitable for warehousing and manufacturing. Businessmen and their families moved to other areas of town.

The original brick and stone buildings located along Front Street at Chestnut were probably constructed in the Revolutionary War era and primarily served commercial enterprises. Historical records indicate that sections of the buildings were razed and rebuilt throughout the mid-19th century. The complex that is now home to Waterfront II dates back to the early 1870’s. The distinctive brick and sandstone exterior, with its granite trim, clustered column piers, flat roof and Federalist windows—features that remain to this day—are defining elements of the architectural style of that period.

For most of its history the property at Front & Chestnut served a variety of commercial purposes, most related to the warehousing and maritime industry that serviced Philadelphia’s bustling port. By the 1970’s the old warehouses had become rundown relics of the past, until they were rescued by the innovative and resourceful new developer, Historic Landmarks for Living, and given new life as residential buildings.

Almost $2 million was spent to transform 106 S. Front Street into Waterfront II. Great care was taken to preserve and refurbish the original historic facade of the architecturally significant property. Inside the brick walls, timbered beams and plank ceilings were painstakingly restored to reflect the charm and character of an earlier era. The idea was to create residences that combined the best of historic renovation and contemporary innovation.

This unique complex now houses 13 luxury apartment residences, each offering unique floorplans that will appeal to your sense of style and imagination. While many of the apartments feature slate hearths and working fireplaces, all offer gourmet kitchens, handsome hardwood floors in some rooms and plush wall-to-wall carpeting in others, plus all the quality amenities you’d expect in a Landmark building.

Best of all, while Waterfront II stands at a peaceful corner of Old City, you’re as close as you want to be to all the attractions and conveniences of a dynamic city. If you have the notion that you’d like to live in a place that isn’t a typical apartment building, come take a look at where the residential revolution really began!

Philadelphia Apartment Rental Leasing Office: 215.351.1535