Pulse Article

60-Second Critic: The Ayer

By Frank Visco

Photography by Richard Sylvarnes

The Ayer Condominiums, 210 West Washington Square, theayer.com.

The latest entry in Philly’s condo boom, the Ayer, originally the home of the country’s first advertising agency, keeps true to the slogan of “History made modern.” Architect Wesley Wei impressively juxtaposes antiquity and modernism, filling the beautifully restored Art Deco building with 56 chic condos. Predictably, this ain’t low-income housing (units run from $850,000 up to $5 million), and the “on the square” Society Hill location is drawing in the city’s body fabulous, including an unnamed Philadelphia Phillie. One drawback: the blindingly white walls and hyper-polished look call to mind a sleek hospital ward, the love child of Hahnemann and a W Hotel. B+

 

Originally published in Philadelphia magazine, December 2007
 

Change text size
Print

Email

Write a comment
 
 

User comments

No users have posted comments on this article.

Post a comment

To comment on this article you must be logged in. Not registered?
Philadelphia It List

Save a Bag, Save a Dollar

Visit a Bonterra and Fetzer wine tasting and receive a green shopping bag and $1 instant rebate card. See the list of Stores and Tasting Dates here.
 
 

Holiday Entertaining

Spice up your holiday party with tips and recipes from the area's most talented specialists. Watch The Chef's Kicthen 11/11-12/30 on CN8 every Tuesday and Thursday at 5pm.
 
 

SIP 411

Browse our SIP411 bar guide & get connected to what’s hot & happening at Philly’s lounges, restaurants and bars. Stay connected with weekly txt alerts delivered to your phone!
 
 

Virtual Design Home

Now you can tour Philadelphia Magazine's magnificent 2008 Design Home from the comfort of your own home. The virtual design tour starts here!
 
 

Announce Your Engagement

Be the next lucky couple chosen to be featured in Philadelphia Magazine. Upload your photo & tell us your story.