Nine condos coming to old Frank Furness brownstone in Rittenhouse Square

An interesting project that blends architecture, adaptive reuse, and historic preservation has been underway in Rittenhouse Square since last November, and now we know that it will bring nine condos, a new nine-story building, and a glassy five-story addition to the block.

Called 2110 Walnut, the 46,000-square-foot project involves a Frank Furness-designed brownstone that dates back to 1869. It is, in fact, one of the architect’s oldest designs still standing in Philly.

The new design by Cecil Baker+Partners will bring a glassy five-story addition to the brownstone at 2108 Walnut that’s set back so as to allow light onto the street below. A new, nine-story building at 2110 Walnut is also under construction on the lot right next door and will also house a Bang & Olufson store on the ground floor.

This project has been underway for quite some time, although the architect and developer Astoban Investments definitely had to jump through some hoops to get it going: Approvals from the zoning board and the Philadelphia Historical Commission were needed, as well as the Center City Residents Association.

Glassy roof-top additions aren’t something one often sees in this city. Architect Eric Leighton said that the final design is a nod to both the site’s history and the city’s future. “Our design strives to retain the neighborhood’s historic fabric while providing a contemporary addition that remains sympathetic to that fabric,” he said in a statement.

As for the condos, two of the nine are already under contract, according to Astoban Investments. They’re a mix of two- to four-bedroom homes, some of which are penthouse bi-level units. There will be 10 parking spaces on site, too.

There’s a big price to pay for the new condos and their location. Ranging in size from 2,817 to 5,743 square feet, the units are priced between $2,352,800 and $3,306,000.

They’re expected to deliver in early 2018.

• 2110 Walnut [Astoban Investments]