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West Lofts Announces the Long-Awaited Completion of The Penthouse Units

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West Lofts Announces the Long-Awaited Completion of The Penthouse Units

November 22
16:10 2018

Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphians have long awaited the completion of the West Lofts. Crafted from the original structure of what was once known as the West Philadelphia High School, the adaptive re-use of the iconic 4-story Gothic structure has been a much-anticipated event in University City. As West Lofts announces the completion of the penthouse units, more than one hundred residents already call this historic building their home. 

The two- and three-bedroom penthouse apartments feature three levels of living area, 22-foot high ceilings, custom made steel stairs, hand crafted vanities, industrial ceiling fans, track lighting, washer and dryer, and in certain units, uninterrupted views of Center City. The building also offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom lofts units with unique layouts and views. More details are available at https://www.westlofts.com.

When West Philadelphia High School was built in 1912, it set a new standard for educational facilities.  It was the largest high school west of the Schuykill and one of the most well known secondary schools in Philadelphia with a population of more than 5,000 students. Designed with an attention to detail and engineering unlike any other facility in the city, it became an architectural icon and a model for other schools, with several more schools built using WPHS as a prototype. In its nearly 100-year life, hundreds of thousands of students walked the halls with alumni ranging from musicians and actors to judges and athletes. 

The landmark building was in danger of remaining vacant and possibly headed for demolition when the new West Philadelphia High School was built in 2010. The school, which had long been the epicenter of an active community, could not be abandoned. With the assistance and support of the community, the property was appropriately re-zoned and the first step toward a second life became a reality; creating homes by converting the building into loft apartments.

West Lofts is proud to announce the end of the first phase of renovations.

Through numerous community meetings and the sharing of personal stories of the alumni, WPHS was described as an idyllic institution at the cross roads of social, athletic and educational excellence.  With the wealth of knowledge received, the decision to incorporate as much of the original building as possible helped guide the transformation and best possible renovation while preserving the historical, social and physical foundation of the building.

The approach included the utilization of every inch of the architecturally-sound building and saving as much of the granite, marble, exposed brick and hardwood floors as possible. The lobby lounge, a truly unique space which resembles a combination of a boutique hotel lobby and a tech company rec space, was transformed from the hidden brick heating plenum at the center of the girl’s wing into an active meet up space for the residents to hold events or have mixers or hang out. It offers residents a flat screen TV, pool and ping pong tables, massive leather couches, work spaces for studying or lap top activity, wifi and a kitchen. 

The original gym was restored and the elevated running track loops the upstairs perimeter of the open concept workout area. On the lower level the original floors were saved and hosts a variety of aerobic and weight training equipment as well as several racks of free weights.

Hoping to extend the life and reputation of a Philadelphia landmark, the owners have beautifully incorporated new and antiqued elements in the remodel of this building. West Lofts succeeded in giving the celebrated venue a new life.

Media Contact
Company Name: West Lofts
Contact Person: Rachel Roesly
Email: Send Email
Phone: (877) 220-6222
Address:220 S 47th St
City: Philadelphia
State: PA 19139
Country: United States
Website: https://www.westlofts.com/