Permits Filed For Three-Story Rear Extension at 505-09 South 9th Street, Washington Square West

A zoning permit has been filed for the erection of a three-story rear addition to a set of three adjacent rowhouses at 505-09 South 9th Street in the Washington Square West neighborhood in Center City. The trio, considered as a single structure for permit purposes and owned by 505-09 South 9th Assoc LP, would provide a total of 18 residential units within the future structure.

The three townhouses are part of a seven-building ensemble of three-story, red-brick townhouses located on the east side of the street. Paneled sash windows, flat stone sills and lintels, and gabled dormers set within a pitched mansard roof, are all indicative of the Federal style that flourished around 1780 to 1820. The style is a quintessential feature of post-Revolutionary era architecture in the oldest parts of the city, reflective of a period when the young nation sought its own building motif while still drawing inspiration from the preceding Georgian style, named after the king of Britain.

The added density is a boon for the centrally-located neighborhood. However, the buildings are fine examples of a cherished local vernacular and hopefully the developers would preserve their historic integrity wherever possible. Thakfully, the buildings are protected under a historic designation, so the addition will almost certainly not be visible from the street.

All the attractions of Old City, such as quaint shops and cafes, landmarks such as Independence Hall, and nightlife hotspots such as South Street, are located within a short walk.

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