Right around the time architect Frank Furness designed Penn’s glorious Fisher Fine Arts Library, he was also working on plans for this 5,712-square-foot residence at 21st and Spruce streets. Today, it’s on the market for the first time in nearly 60 years with the hefty price tag of $2,395,000.
The 6-bedroom, 9-bath property of the Gilded Age was built in 1889. Although it’s currently set up as an apartment building with eight units, it was originally the home of brothers William West Frazier, Jr. and George Harrison Frazier, whose father William West Frazier was a childhood friend of Furness.
Here’s what the property looked like in 1986, when it was added to the city’s Register of Historic Places.
No doubt the property needs some TLC, although Furness’ work still shines, from the ornate exterior touches to the original seven fireplaces inside. The hardwood floors are also original, as are the wainscoting and molding throughout.
Whoever buys this property will definitely have something special on his or her hands, especially since so many of Furness’s residences have been demolished. In fact, this home is on the same block as another Furness-designed home for sale at 2113 Spruce Street.
- 2134 Spruce Street [Redfin]
- 11 historic homes for sale in Philadelphia [Curbed Philly]
- Incredible Frank Furness home chops $200K off asking price [Curbed Philly]