Elegance. Style. Luxury. History. 2143 Locust embodies the height of sophistication among residential properties in Philadelphia. Located just a few blocks off of Rittenhouse Square, the original, 20' wide, 5200 square foot home was designed by legendary architect Charles Barton Keen in 1905. In 1973 it was purchased by renowned Cuban Modernist architect, Mario Romanach, who designed and oversaw a major renovation including the paneled living and dining rooms, modernized mechanical systems, and the mosaic pattern, teak parquet flooring that runs throughout the home. After Mario and his wife's passing, ownership transferred to Mario's daughter, Philadelphia-based architect, Maria Romanach, who took her own turn at elevating the design and functionality of the property including a stainless steel and glass, skylighted kitchen; blonde oak built-ins throughout the bedrooms; updated mechanical systems, an elevator that accesses all 4 above grade floors, and a top floor nanny/in-law/guest suite. Entering the home through a spacious oak-paneled foyer with marble steps you will be welcomed by a sunny, south-facing living area anchored by a Georgian revival fireplace and the original, grand staircase ascending to the upper floors. Beyond the living area is the centrally located, stainless steel and glass Chef's kitchen with extensive counter, cabinet, and storage space augmented by high-end appliances and room for a breakfast table. The kitchen opens to both the dining room and the hall that accesses the living room. The dining room is extraordinary, featuring cherry wood paneling, a wood-burning fireplace, track lighting to properly illuminate artwork, and corrugated glass windows to maximize both natural light and privacy. Taking either the elevator or the stairs to the second floor you will arrive at a wonderful, washed-in southern light, 2nd living space or office. Lined with cherry wood paneling, the room also features built-in shelving and cabinetry, contemporary track lighting, and a wood-burning fireplace. Down the hall, towards the rear of the property, you will find a full bathroom and a walk-in closet with custom oak louvered doors and built-in cabinetry. The room at the rear was previously used as an art studio but is also the largest room among the many spacious rooms in the house. The opportunity is there to make this a 2nd-floor primary suite with an expanded, ensuite bathroom and expanded closet space (drawings available upon request.) The third floor consists of two large bedrooms, both with walk-in closets and ensuite bathrooms. The fourth floor is a wonderful sun-drenched suite with a bedroom featuring a Stuv fireplace, walk-in closet, full bathroom, and a well-designed 2nd kitchen and living area with a 2nd wood burning Stuv fireplace. The basement is fully finished and adds another 800 square feet of living space. Used for the last few decades as an architecture office, and including a half bath and two wine coolers, this space has the potential to serve as a media room, gym, home office, playroom, etc. At the rear of this level are large windows and a door opening to the outdoor space in the rear of the property. Most recently used as a planting area and for wood storage for the 4 operable fireplaces and 2 Stuv woodstoves in the home, there is also an opportunity to install a deck for grilling and dining that would be accessible from the first-floor dining room. Every maintenance decision that has been made for the property over the last 50 years has been made with the highest design and architectural standards in mind, including a new, slate Mansard roof; heating, cooling, and electrical upgrades; and masonry conservation. Both move-in ready and an opportunity to augment the property to your own lifestyle, 2143 Locust is a rare opportunity to experience the best in single-family urban living that Philadelphia has to offer.
