TRICIA HARLING

Description

412 SIGEL STREET is the first project of Applied Urban Solutions, LLC., a firm created by architect/contractors Graciela and Curtis Krauss. Their objective was to use the latest cutting-edge technological innovations in modern construction to produce high-quality homes that were still affordable to young urban professionals. On the outside, the house looks like a classic Philadelphia row house. On the inside, it is anything but conventional. The panels protecting the front façade were imported from Italy. The 9-foot-high ceilings immediately convey a sense of space, and the large, modern French windows provide an unusual amount of natural light in virtually every room. Unusually large closets provide an enormous amount of storage space. Heating and air conditioning can be independently adjusted on each floor to provide precise climate control. The temperature is regulated by a Nest thermostat, which automatically adjusts the temperature to the time of day and can be changed by smartphone from outside the house. The kitchen is equipped with a high-end convection oven, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator. The backsplash above the sink is protected by white tiles in the style of the Paris Metro. The finished basement, which adds an additional 400 square feet to the house’s assessed floor space, can serve as a recreation room, library, or alternate living room and is equipped with its own guest bathroom. The enclosed rear storage area is protected by an automatic sump pump and modern French drains. The house is designed to allow a natural flow of air from front to back, which makes air conditioning rarely necessary. Modern recessed lighting is installed on every floor. A comprehensive sprinkler system and updated smoke detectors provide emergency protection in every room. The primary bedroom opens onto a wooden deck and a panoramic view of the Philadelphia skyline. A roof deck offers unmatched 360-degree views of all of Philadelphia and provides an excellent venue for parties or simple relaxation. Sigel Street is extraordinarily friendly, quiet and relaxing, largely because the street is narrow, which avoids excessive traffic and noise. The main floor is significantly raised above street level and the basement is protected by an automatically activated sump pump and French drains. Strategically positioned right on the Pennsport/Dickinson Narrows border, the house is only two blocks from Dickinson Park, which offers a farmer’s market on Sundays, a playground for children, an enclosed basketball court, tables and benches for playing games as well as an adjacent café, Wolf and Rebel. Moonshine Pub, Herman's Coffee, and Cake & Joe are all within a few blocks of this well-located home. For the culturally minded, the Bok Building is just a few blocks west on Mifflin Street. A remodeled former technical high school, the Bok Center houses studios for craftsmen, a hair salon, fine-art and music studios as well as The Machine Shop bakery, Miles Table Restaurant/Cafe, and Irwin’s, a fine-dining restaurant located on the Bok Center’s rooftop. And Passyunk Avenue is only a 20-minute walk from the dynamic Passyunk neighborhood, which offers active nightlife, along with excellent restaurants and shops. In the direction of Pennsport to the east, Target, Ikea, Acme, Lowe’s and Home Depot are all within easy walking distance. Giant and Shoprite are only a few minutes away by car. Move right into this elegant home and enjoy the best of South Philadelphia! --

Features