16 Reasons Why 500 Walnut Is Going to Be Luxuriously Bonkers

500 Walnut, the ultra-luxurious 26-story tower behind Independence Hall, has been garnering a lot of attention recently. Architect Cecil Baker made it known that the type of buyer they're seeking "want New York" luxury living. How do they plan to accomplish that? By offering 38 insanely bonkers private residences with some equally eye-popping amenities. First, let's tackle the penthouses. A fact sheet from 500 Walnut states there will only be two penthouses.

The $16M unit will be a two-story penthouse with private interior elevator. It will be comprised of 8,400 square-feet of fully customized space and offer a fireplace and balconies. The $14M unit will only be on one floor. Boo hoo.

Here's what the fact sheet says about the ten full-floor residences: "4200 square feet will be fully customizable with expansive balconies, true floor-to-ceiling windows, fireplaces, private elevator access, 11 ft. ceilings and some of the most spectacular views ever offered in a center city high rise." Prices for these units will be from $5M to $9M. The rest of the units will range from $2.5M to $4M for 2,500 to 3,100 square-foot plans.

Whether future buyers drop $16M on an exclusive penthouse or $2.5M on another unit, they'll probably enjoy these amenities planned for 500 Walnut:

· Fully-automated 80 space parking facility that parks and retrieves vehicles in under 90-seconds
· 4,000 square-foot terrace overlooking Independence Hall
· Fire pit area and special lounge are on said terrace
· Multi-level glass enclosed two story fitness center with state of the art equipment,yoga/workout room, massage room, and steam room
· Three lane glass enclosed lap pool
·Entertainment suite for hosting fundraisers for 50 guests complete with catering kitchen, and lounge area
· Private Boardroom for business meetings
· Golf Simulator
· Dog Wash area to care for family pets
· Private lobby level garden with water feature
· Private guest suite
· Town car with driver
·24 hour full service concierge to handle your every need

We sincerely look forward to the day when simulated 9-hole shotgun starts become a thing for all of the residents of these luxury towers that are starting to feature golf simulators. Make that happen, luxury world.

The garden feature is also of note. Architect Cecil Baker recently went before the art commission to present the plans for the tower. At that meeting, there was some discussion about how the water feature and garden would be situated on the property and how to make it a more public street experience.

Units also come with a 10-year tax abatement. The project is expected to break ground in spring 2015 and be move-in ready by spring 2017.
· Cecil Baker On Buyers for 500 Walnut: "They Want New York" [Curbed Philly]