People are rediscovering city living, which provides the opportunity to be close to cultural centers, nightlife, and workplaces. According to the Philadelphia Business Journal, residential development in Philadelphia hit a record high in 2004, apparently driven by young people without children and empty nesters. Condominiums have been a popular choice because of their low maintenance appeal, however owners often personalize their space by renovating. Historic homes, which Philadelphia has plenty of, are popular but renovations and additions to historic homes must be carefully planned due to zoning requirements.

Featured are two recent examples of city projects completed by Gardner/Fox.

Society Hill Room Addition
A 300 square-foot dining room addition enlarged the living space of this historically registered 18th century home located in Society Hill. Because there was no access area for machinery, all excavation and foundation work was done by hand. Custom millwork and refinished wide-plank flooring seemlessly blend with the original home.

Rittenhouse Square Kitchen Renovation
Kitchen renovations to this home near Rittenhouse Square include a 400 square-foot contemporary kitchen/dining room combination with a custom built-in table and seating area, concrete countertops, custom cabinetry and glass backsplash tiles.

Architecture: Gardner/Fox
Construction: Gardner/Fox
Kitchen Cabinetry (bottom photo): Stimmel Consulting Group
Photography (top photo): Pascal Blancon
Photography (bottom photo): Charles Meacham