Just Listed: Bauhaus Townhouse in Fishtown
Channeling Walter Gropius, the team who produced this extra-wide house for sale produced one of the finest modernist houses we've seen in the city in quite a while.
1114 Shackamaxon St. #1, Philadelphia, Pa. 19125 | Photos: Plate 3 Photography via The Michael Garden Group, Space & Company
I’m fond of quoting noted modern architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s observation that “God is in the details.”
If that’s the case, God must have moved the hands of the architect and interior designer who produced this two-year-old house for sale in Fishtown, then.
For it should become clear as you look at the photos that these two have produced a modern townhouse that rises above the run-of-the-mill stuff you see going up all over the city. And they did it by getting the details right.
The first detail: The street-facing facade. This house fronts a row of modern townhouses and sits mostly over the driveway they share. The house’s one-car garage is just inside the driveway entrance, next to the well-thought-out foyer.
The front elevation recalls Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius’ early industrial and office buildings, only with red brick taking the place of lighter brick or concrete. The large east-facing windows flood the rooms in this 44-foot-wide townhouse with morning sun.
Main living area
And they make the main living area exceptionally bright. The completely open space can be configured as you please, but the intended functions are clearly identified by the details.
Dining room
A brass light fixture, for instance, marks the dining area.
Main-floor deck
Large folding doors off the dining area lead to a spacious deck, one of two found in this house for sale.
Kitchen
The kitchen, a symphony in blond wood, marble and black metal, has a banquette on one side that forms a casual dining area.
Brass fixtures and fittings abound in this residence, including lights, door handles and bathroom fittings.
Master bedroom
Soaking tub in master bedroom
Speaking of bathroom fittings, the master bedroom has an unusual arrangement: it has a soaking tub in the bedroom. It also has east- and north-facing windows to bring in sun in the morning and light throughout the day.
Master bathroom
The master bathroom itself has a full tile shower similar to those found in the other bathrooms.
Roof deck
Topping all of this off is an even larger roof deck with great views. And under it all is a finished basement that could serve as a rec room or storage space.
The listing agent called this place to my attention in the course of sending in a correction for Friday’s featured house, presenting it as an alternative for the urbanist.
Talk about serendipity. By the way, the house featured Friday is already under contract after just eight days on market. Given this house for sale’s amenities and convenient location, it shouldn’t sit on the market for long either, especially at this price point in Fishtown.
THE FINE PRINT
BEDS: 4
BATHS: 3 full, 1 half
SQUARE FEET: 2,863
SALE PRICE: $929,000
OTHER STUFF: Eight years remain on this house’s tax abatement.
1114 Shackamaxon St. #1, Philadelphia, Pa. 19125 [Michael Garden | The Michael Garden Group | Space & Company]
