For Sale

Listed by Antonio Atacan

Source: Bright MLS #PAPH2682108

234 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19106

$2,490,000

3
6700 sq. ft.
2568.02 sq. ft.

Duplex

•

6 days on the market

What's around 234 South 3rd Street

About this property

A rare and storied offering in the heart of historic Society Hill, the design of this 1844 townhouse is attributed by architectural historians as the work of Thomas U. Walter, the architect behind the dome of the United States Capitol. Known locally as the Griffin Balcony Townhouse for its signature cast-iron balcony, long missing, later traced to Bucks County, and reinstalled on the façade. This four-story residence with basement and attic offers an extraordinary opportunity, available for the first time in over 60 years. Step inside this amazing home to discover 13-foot ceilings, a multi-story atrium and circular openings that draw natural light deep into the home, creating a sense of openness and flow through every level. It is a striking architectural gesture rarely found in a home of this era. Original marble facing, fine woodwork, interior shutters, and historic detailing have been preserved, alongside exposed wood beams, wood floors throughout, and four working fireplaces that lend warmth and character to the interiors. A rare residential elevator serves the primary floors, offering long-term accessibility within a home of remarkable historic integrity. Currently configured as an elegant triplex, the home offers 6 bedrooms, 4 full baths, and 1 half bath distributed across the four floors and semi-finished basement. This well-proportioned living spaces with flexibility rarely found in a property of this stature. Beyond the interiors, a walled and deep rear garden and upper terrace create a true sanctuary. It is a private outdoor retreat in the heart of the city, featuring slate salvaged from the original sidewalk during the 1960s streetscape renewal, a tangible link to the neighborhood's storied preservation history. 234 S 3rd Street presents three compelling paths forward for its next owner: Restore as a single, grand Society Hill residence that reclaim the full scale and grandeur of this landmark home as an extraordinary single-family showplace. Maintain a high-end multi-unit configuration that is up to three refined residences, ideal for multi-generational living or investment income. Pursue a prime luxury condo conversion and capitalize on Society Hill's premium market with individually sold luxury units in a building of unmatched historic significance. Steps from the developing Delaware River waterfront, Independence National Historical Park, and the cobblestone streets of Society Hill, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own a true piece of American architectural history.

Looking for more information on 234 South 3rd Street?

Explore comparables, sales history and growth for this property.
Learn more

Similar property for sale nearby

For Sale
$1,695,000
240 North 3rd Street
Philadelphia PA 19106
3
Duplex
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Commerical

Other properties for sale by KW Empower

For Sale
$439,900
1746 Tulip Street
Philadelphia PA 19125
2
2
Townhouse
Listing courtesy of KW Empower
For Sale
$524,900
7/207 East Allen Street
Philadelphia PA 19125
2
2
1
Condo
Listing courtesy of KW Empower
For Sale
$155,000
223 North Avondale Street
Philadelphia PA 19139
2
1
Townhouse
Listing courtesy of KW Empower

Browse properties sold in nearby areas

The data relating to real estate for sale on this website appears in part through the BRIGHT Internet Data Exchange program, a voluntary cooperative exchange of property listing data between licensed real estate brokerage firms in which KW Empower participates, and is provided by BRIGHT through a licensing agreement. The information provided by this website is for the personal, non-commercial use of consumers and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Some properties which appear for sale on this website may no longer be available because they are under contract, have closed or are no longer being offered for sale. Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed. Copyright © 2026 Bright MLS. All rights reserved.

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, 17 U.S.C. § 512 (the "DMCA") provides recourse for copyright owners who believe that material appearing on the Internet infringes their rights under MLS GRID IDX Rules Updated September 16, 2024 7 U.S. copyright law. If you believe in good faith that any content or material made available in connection with our website or services infringes your copyright, you (or your agent) may send us a notice requesting that the content or material be removed, or access to it blocked. Notices must be sent in writing by email to: dmca@ratemyagent.com

The DMCA requires that your notice of alleged copyright infringement include the following information: (1) description of the copyrighted work that is the subject of claimed infringement; (2) description of the alleged infringing content and information sufficient to permit us to locate the content; (3) contact information for you, including your address, telephone number and email address; (4) a statement by you that you have a good faith belief that the content in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, or its agent, or by the operation of any law; (5) a statement by you, signed under penalty of perjury, that the information in the notification is accurate and that you have the authority to enforce the copyrights that are claimed to be infringed; and (6) a physical or electronic signature of the copyright owner or a person authorized to act on the copyright owner's behalf. Failure to include all of the above information may result in the delay of the processing of your complaint.

Email
© 2026 RateMyAgent