handelarchitects.com | The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia

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The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia

Residential

This 630,000-square-foot, 46-story residential tower takes the place of one of the Philadelphia's most conspicuous eyesores. The property, which sits directly across the street from City Hall, is the site of the former Meridian Plaza Building. Its predecessor was destroyed in 1991 by a fire that burned for 18 hours and took the lives of three Philadelphia firefighters. Zoning and legal challenges have kept the site vacant since that time.

This project transforms the site into Philadelphia's premier residential address and combines five-star amenities of the neighboring hotel with luxury condominium living. At 518 feet, it is the tallest residential building in the city; the tower looks directly at William Penn atop City Hall and faces Dilworth Plaza in Philadelphia's historic City Center.

This contemporary icon consists of six acres of floor-to-ceiling glass curtain wall shielding two distinct halves. A more conventional rectangular section anchors the western flank, while a dramatic crystal spire lifts its eastern profile. Within, 45 stories of condominiums enjoy spectacular views of Philadelphia. The new Girard Park adds critical public open space and a private garden at street level. An upper private garden offers residents a quiet green space that includes a 12-foot water feature. Indoors, residents enjoy a swimming pool within a 6,500 square foot fitness center and spa. Additional amenities include a lounge, library, and catering pantry. The project features one-, two- and three-bedroom condominiums as well as penthouses. A palatial 10,000-square-foot penthouse crowns the building, with dramatic 25-foot ceilings and a 1,400 SF rooftop courtyard that overlooks Philadelphia.

Awards: 2009 AWARD OF MERIT - MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, Mid-Atlantic Construction
Client: AGC Partners
Publications: "...The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton Prepare for Philadelphia's Elite," Philadelphia Style, March / April 2006.; "Philadelphia grows up with a slew of high-rise projects," Architectural Record, December 2005.; "Handel Architects in Center City Philadelphia," E-Oculus, 09 August 2005.; "44-story condo planned adjacent to Ritz-Carlton," Philadelphia Business Journal, 02 August 2005.; "...The Ritz-Carlton plan goes shorter, brighter," The Philadelphia Inquirer, 19 August 2005.; "Most expensive residential condominium built in city," New Jersey Pennsylvania Real Estate Journal, 12-25 August 2005.
Photography: James D'Addio; Philly Skyline