Richard Neutra’s iconic Hassrick Residence in East Falls lists for $2.195M

One of the most significant examples of midcentury modern homes in Philadelphia, Richard Neutra’s Hasserick Residence in East Falls, has hit the market for $2.195 million.

“This is one of the most amazing properties in the Philly, and the owners did such a beautiful job with the restoration,” listing agent Craig Wakefield told Curbed Philly.

The 5-bedroom, 3-bath home was designed by renowned architect Richard Neutra in 1958 for the sculptor Kenneth Hassrick and his family. Built on a low budget and with local materials, the residence soon became iconic for its floor-to-ceiling windows and craftsmanship.

But when the current owners bought the home in 2008, they inherited an abandoned and deteriorated property. “It was in total disrepair,” Wakefield said.

In an Atomic Ranch article, the owners recalled:

Vacant for a number of years, it had fallen into heavy disrepair, like something out of Grey Gardens. Doors were unlocked and windows open. All sorts of animals were living inside. Regardless, when we first walked up to it we looked at each other and both said, “We are buying this house.”

In 2009, the owners began restoring the midcentury modern, with the help of the documents and letters of correspondence between Neutra and the family archived at the University of Pennsylvania and UCLA. There were interesting details that were uncovered during this process, including the fact that it was the Hassrick’s who requested the use of local, salmon-colored Bethayers concrete block. It may be the only Neutra-designed residence of this color.

Today, the home is listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places and still features many of its original showstopping features, including woodwork in the restored kitchen by George Nakashima, and of course, the stunning wall of glass in the living room that looks out to the home’s private garden and Fairmount Park. The property also now has multiple outdoor spaces, including a flagstone patio a terrace, and a courtyard with an in-ground pool.

The sellers are sad to leave the home they’ve spent the past few years restoring, Wakefield said, but they are moving back to California.

The listing of the Hassrick residence marks the second Neutra property to hit the market in recent years. The architect’s Pitcairn house in nearby Huntingdon Valley is also for sale for just under $3 million.

At the moment, there are no scheduled open houses for the East Falls residence.

• 3033 Cherry Lane [Craig Wakefield]
• Philly’s top 10 midcentury modern homes [Curbed Philly]