Permits Issued for Freeman’s Auction House Overbuild at 1810 Chestnut Street in Rittenhouse Square, Center City

Permits have been issued for a multi-family overbuild above the historic Freeman’s Auction House, located at 1810 Chestnut Street in Rittenhouse Square, Center City. Designed by Cecil Baker + Partners, the new tower will add 19 stories above the existing Auction House, bringing the total height to 25 stories, which is certainly not the greatest height in the area, but will still make a large impact from the street. There will be 19 residential units within the he new addition, each a luxury condominium, with several taking up an entire floor. The existing auction house will be restored as commercial space. An underground garage will hold space for seven parking spaces, and there will also be nine bicycle spaces, as well. An additional four bike spaces will be included with the project along Chestnut Street on a new bike rack. A green roof will be situated at the top of the tower.

1810 Chestnut Street. Credit: Cecil Baker + Partners

The new tower will feature a design resembling a number of new developments underway in Manhattan. Throughout the city, developers are frequently unable to obtain large parcels of land, and turn to fairly significant heights on much smaller lots. In this case, this unfortunately led to the inclusion of a large blank wall on the eastern and western facades, out of necessity. This will be perhaps the only feature of the project’s design that holds the building back, but is a necessary evil. The rest of the facade will feature a sleek glass exterior, covered in floor-to-ceiling windows that will ensure bright interiors for building residents. The tower’s podium in the 1923-built auction house means that the building meet the street in a very pleasant manner, with an attractive tan stone facade with intricate detailing.

1810 Chestnut Street. Credit: Cecil Baker + Partners

It is a major positive to see the preservation of the existing auction house, as it represents a significant piece of architectural and historic heritage. Too often, buildings such as this bite the dust, and to see this being prevented here is a major boon for the neighborhood. The development likely resembles perhaps the most extravagant way to add 19 residential units at a site, as the building will stand 25 stories tall. This increase in density is appreciated, though this is nothing major considering the density of surrounding blocks.

1810 Chestnut Street. Credit: Cecil Baker + Partners

1810 Chestnut Street. Credit: Cecil Baker + Partners

The real impact comes from the height. The development will continue to add to the canyon effect on the street. Towers such as 1810 Chestnut Street will continue to establish the Rittenhouse Square area as one city’s most important high-rise districts. It will be exciting to observe the tower rise from its narrow site.

1810 Chestnut Street. Photo by Jamie Meller

YIMBY will continue to monitor progress made on the development moving forward.

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