While graffiti still covers the front of the old West Philadelphia High School building and it may seem like not much work has yet been done on converting the early 20th century building at 48th and Walnut into loft apartments (the project was first announced in 2012,) a part of the building, now called West Lofts, is ready to welcome its first tenants next month, according to reports.
The first 35 units have been leased for July 1 move-in, and more units are currently for lease for August and September move-ins, according to a report by Philly Curbed.
Upon completion, West Lofts will have 268 studio, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, many of them bi-level, ranging from $995 to $2,430. The building will also include a restored gym, a co-working space and a coffee shop, according to Philly Curbed.
If you want to see photos from inside the building (they may surprise you!), go to Philly Curbed.
June 24th, 2017 at 3:00 pm
$2,400 bucks to live in the old West Philly High School?!? Wow! Just, wow! is all I can say. Meanwhile, these folks will be surrounded by people struggling to get by on a daily basis. No mention of any of the units being below market-rate to at least show an effort at goodwill towards the existing community. Bah humbug!
June 25th, 2017 at 3:38 pm
Strongforu, I agree that the pricing seems a bit silly. That being said, I would like to see some use of the building rather than nothing.
That being said, businesses aren’t interested in goodwill. Business are around to make money. Let’s not pretend that anyone – your landlord or my landlord – is primarily interested in goodwill, right?
In fact, you could argue that providing ANY kind of housing in the area helps to alleviate demand, which helps people on the lower ends by moving folks with more $$ away from low and medium priced housing.
Yes, I said it -this might be a small benefit to people without much $$.
June 26th, 2017 at 12:12 pm
Fantastic! I welcome the new neighbors. An old, abandoned, beautiful building will now be home to many, jobsite for others. New businesses will undoubtedly spring up.
November 27th, 2018 at 4:59 am
Happy to see this great building being put to good use. Lots of good memories from 1957