What did Curbed's readers love in 2015? Based on the top read stories of the year, creepy real estate listings, decrepit mansions (The Woolworth) and buildings (The Divine Lorraine), and new parks (Cira Greene) won readers over. Here now, the 10 most read stories of 2015.
↑ 10. One of Philly's Most Spectacular Interiors Hits the Market
This mid-century modern Irwin Stein home in Wallingford, Pa. had a lot of love this year when it hit the market for $599,000. The stunning 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home ultimately sold in July for $595,000.
↑ 9. Now Open Cira Green Rooftop Park Offers Best Views of Philly
University City's first green rooftop park opened to the public in November. It sits on top of a 11-story parking garage sandwiched between the Evo residential building and the FMC tower.
↑ 8. Did Beyonce and Jay Z Buy the Beaucoup Prize at 500 Walnut?
Philly went bonkers for Bey when rumors swirled that she and Jay Z bought at $20 million unit at 500 Walnut. Turns out that's all it was: a rumor.
↑ 7. Stunning Photos of the Pre-Blighted Divine Lorraine
Writer and artist Natalie Hope McDonald treated us to one final look inside the Divine Lorraine before its demolition. The beloved hotel will become a residential building, housing 126 apartments.
↑ 6. Tiny Townhouse Proves 900 Square Feet is All You Really Need
Tiny? Not by Curbed readers standards. When this townhouse hit the market, comments ranged from "I am not seeing a lot of 'Bang for my Buck' here," to "Beautiful, and so me!" to "Very nice but I don't consider 900 sq ft a tiny house." Regardless, the home sold quickly for $303,500.
↑ 5. Frank Furness Mansion Gets Drone Treatment in Last-Ditch Effort to Sell the Darn Thing
The 19th century Brooke Mansion in Birdsboro, Pa. has been on and off the market since 2008. Since we last wrote about the 14,000-square-foot estate in July, the home was delisted in August and then resisted in September for $1,899,999.
↑ 4. Update: How to Buy a Vacant Side Yard for $1 (Or Less)
Curbed Philly checked in with Philly's government offices to find out how to buy vacant properties for $1. It all goes through the Philadelphia Land Bank, which officially opened for business in December.
↑ 3. Here's the Oldest Building in Pennsylvania, Built Around 1640
The Lower Swedish Cabin is a two-story building in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. This video takes you on a tour of the historic building, which served as a trading post, a filming location, a private residence, and a Girl Scouts meeting place.
↑ 2. Iconic Woolworth Mansion For Sale, is Naturally a Bargain
This 1909 mansion in Scranton in all its dilapidated grandeur hit the market in July. Real estate collector Hunt Slonem snatched up the property in December for $259,000.
↑ 1. The Sexy, Scary World of Craigslist Apartment Listings
We scoured through the craziness of Craigslist so you wouldn't have to. And as the most read story of 2015, Curbed readers had a lot to say about these, er, unusual listings.