Mixed Metals
2017 / Philadelphia, PA
GRAY MARKET
South Street has served as Philadelphia’s alternative entertainment and retail corridor for more than 200 years. Historically, the street formed the southern boundary between city and county police jurisdictions, creating an enforcement blind spot where gray market activities, clubs, bars and live music flourished. Today, it operates as a mixing zone linking mixed-use Center City high-rises with predominently residential rowhouse neighborhoods of South Philly. Serving as a hinge between these scales and uses, the building’s armored exterior plays with the street’s unique identity, acknowledging its hyrbid brand.
GRIT AND GRACE
This mixed-scale infill transitions from the gritty, bustling energy of Philadelphia’s South Street corridor to a quiet residential block to the south. An 11-unit multifamily with ground-floor retail clad in overlapping metal screens embraces the punk rock heritage of the district, while five brick- and wood-clad rowhouses contribute to Kater Street’s more traditional, intimate fabric. Off-street parking is tucked between, with access through a metal gate designed to bridge across blockfaces, and all street edges activated by retail, lobby and entry stoops.
STREET VIEW
Inset balconies and rooftop terraces accessed from exterior stairs create unique city views as well as social experiences for apartment and townhouse residents.
MINIMAL LUXURY
The interiors and finishes are clean and judicious with surprising moments of natural light, high contrast light and dark tones, and ample access to views. Perforated metal and brick screens ease the intimate transition from large windows to street life with numerous opportunities to see and be seen.
