We all have a passion for something in life; something that keeps our imaginations going. Some people dream of things like music or philosophy while for others it may be medicine or martial arts. I happen to dream of, and have dreamt of for most of my life, potential Philadelphia real estate condominium conversion projects. I wonder which of the lovely historic buildings might turn over the highest dollar per quare foot in resale value if converted into a condominium here in Center City Philadelphia.
And here is my conclusion: The Curtis Center, particularly the southernmost 25% of the beautiful Center City building sitting on the northwest corner of 6th and Walnut Streets.
The shear window space is breathtaking. Consider that if this portion of the Curtis Center was converted into high end luxury condominiums, the sales pitch:
*All units with over sized windows
*All Living rooms would have a southern exposure
*Almost all bedrooms would have a southern exposure
*All units would overlook beautiful Washington Square Park
*All units could have indoor garage parking
*All penthouse units could have stunning southern exposure views of the square
*Roughly 10% of the units also face Independence Hall Park
*One of the most stunning historical buildings in Center City Philadelphia
*Fabulous Location!!
In addition, I would consider making the units fairly large. I would sell no unit for less than $1,000,000, and range up to say $7,000,000. Every unit would have at least 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. They could possibly have random width pine wood flooring throughout and definitely stainless steel high-end appliances by Viking, Bosch, Wolf, Sub-Zero, and Miele. The kitchens and bathrooms would also have subway tile and granite counters. The ability to provide the individual Penthouse units with luxurious private garden space could be invaluable with Pottery Barn Living Room Furniture now made for outdoors.
A walkout to a private deck and large shelved walkin closets would be a nice touch to the master bedroom. A closet organization system, similar to California Closets would be an example of an upgrade that I would offer as a standard ingredient in each unit. Philadelphia Condos are notoriously cheap on their closet space (as a whole), and underestimating the value of a large, well-organized set of closets is something builders of Center City Philadelphia Lofts and Condos have been doing for years.
Also I would make the building as "green" as possible. I am sure that this magnificent building would provide fabulous ceiling height in each unit for cathedral ceilings with ceiling fans. I would add high-efficiency heating and cooling systems as well as panels that would double as sunshades and solar power generators. There would be a lot of incoming natural light from the large windows that would also accent the intricate moldings throughout each loft. I would cut the curb on the north side of Walnut Street, at the entrance to this building to allow for about a half dozen car "loading zone" parking with valet service. The owners would even have the convenience of a full-time on-site 24-hour concierge...and of course this would be a pet-friendly Philadelphia Condominium.
I have started to play the Pennsylvania lotto lately. Should I win say $250,000,000 or more, you can be sure that the southernmost 25% of the Curtis Center will be the latest and greatest Philadelphia condominium conversion project to hit the market!
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Mark began selling in Philadelphia in 1989 and has been in love with it ever since. He still resides in a low rise, four unit condominium building in Old City and impresses others of his vast knowledge of what's trendy and knows which finishes buyers look for when selecting a home.
Feel free to contact him for more information at 215-521-1523 or Mark@CenterCity.com
http://www.CenterCity.com
