A Radically Transformed 19th-Century Philadelphia Carriage House Lists for $3.5 Million
- A historic five-story townhome in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, designed by architect Frank Weise, is on the market for $3.5 million.
Tucked away on a quiet, cobblestoned street in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, a true architectural gem has come available. Designed by the late, celebrated architect Frank Weise, this striking five-story townhome—once a 19th-century carriage house— is now designated a historic landmark by the city. And for $3.5 million , it could be yours.
Weise, who played a major role in shaping Philadelphia's architectural identity in the latter half of the 20th century, bought the home in the 1950s and transformed it into a live-work sanctuary. The muscular and eye-catching facade, with its four rows of arched windows strewn across the middle section, feels both historic and strikingly modern. A deep, projecting cornice gives the building an almost sculptural quality and even the functional details, like a furniture hoist tucked into the design, were carefully considered. Topping the red-brick structure is a monumental metal mansard roof, first built with batten-seam terne metal and later upgraded to copper.
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The lower floors of the townhome served as the architect's personal studio and office.
Inside, the layout reflects Weise's dual worlds. The lower floors served as his personal office and design studio, while the upper three floors—accessible via a separate entrance—functioned as his home. Aa seamless blend of modernist and historic elements, a spiral staircase with colorful inlays winds its way through the home, connecting its various levels.
The residential portion spans almost 2,700 square foot with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, along with soaring double-height ceilings, oversized arched windows, and a sleek gas fireplace. A top-floor sunroom, complete with a built-in bar, offers panoramic views of the city skyline and opens onto a rooftop deck. And in a city where parking is a luxury, the dedicated carport is a major perk.
After Weise's passing in 2003, his daughter Andrea Hemmann and her husband, Mark Gallini, undertook a meticulous restoration and update. Gallini, a master carpenter, upgraded the home's HVAC, refreshed the interiors, and restored the mansard roof to its former glory.
Sun pours into the residence's double-height living room though massive windows.
"This home is a work of art," listing agent Franz Rabauer of Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty told Mansion Global . "When you come upon it on this tiny street that most people don't even know, your mouth drops because you don't believe what you see."
With its six-acre park at the heart of it, Rittenhouse Square is one of Philly's most coveted neighborhoods. Home to high-profile residents like Comcast CEO Brian Roberts and restaurateur Stephen Starr , the area has also served as a backdrop for films including Rocky II and the upcoming Rittenhouse Square starring actor Nick Nolte.
Click here to see more photos of Philadelphia townhouse.
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