At the turn of the 20th century, people still had names worthy of Trollope. The architect who built this grand Center City home was Theophilus Parsons Chandler, and he built it for Episcopalian Bishop Alexander Makay-Smith. It all sounds very High Church. The mansion was later divided into apartments (very Low Church) and the residence that's now for sale, while large and beautifully restored, is one of those apartments. Chandler was president of the Philadelphia Chapter of the AIA, and helped found Penn's Department of Architecture. He was a great advocate for the profession. Many of his buildings have been demolished, but we've put together a gallery of some of his buildings below.
One note about the photos of this apartment: The same painting of a person who looks suspiciously like Ben Franklin is hung above the piano as well as in the bedroom. Who would have the same painting in two different rooms? No one—except an indifferent virtual stager. And virtual staging is very Low Church indeed.
Size: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 2,154 square feet
Parking: 1-car deeded parking
Extras: Fireplaces
Price: $890,000
Annual taxes: $7,165
Condo fee: $500
· Listing: 251 S. 22nd St. [Elfant Wissahickon]