Historic Opportunities
Are you looking for a piece of history to call your own? Dozens of properties for sale across the Philadelphia region are seeking buyers who recognize the value of history. The following listings have been recommended to the Preservation Alliance as "Historic Opportunities," properties on the market and in search of preservation-minded new owners. Don’t let your next home, business, or investment property become a lost opportunity.Please contact your realtor or the listing agent, not the Preservation Alliance, for more information on these properties. The Preservation Alliance claims no responsibility for statements made by sellers. To recommend a property for inclusion on this list, email advocacy@preservationalliance.com.
Marian Anderson Birthplace 
1833 Webster Street, Philadelphia
Listed at $349,900
1833 Webster Street, Philadelphia
Listed at $349,900
In 1897, the legendary singer Marian Anderson was born in this small rowhouse, a charming 840 square foot, two bed, one bath home located on a quiet block in a thriving section of Southwest Center City. The Marian Anderson Historical Society currently owns both this home and her long-time residence nearby at 762 Martin Street, where they operate the Marian Anderson Residence Museum. To focus resources on the museum property, the Society seeks a caring new owner for the birthplace, which could find new life as a single-family home. The property features a small rear yard and a newer roof.
Contact: Marva Davis, Century 21 All Elite
Added January 2012
Queen Village
125 League Street, Philadelphia
Listed at $428,000
This is an extremely rare surviving example of a Philadelphia woodframe clapboard house. Documented by the Historic American Buildings Survey and listed on both the Philadelphia and National Registers, the eighteenth-century post and beam structure features random-width pine flooring throughout, three fireplaces, and a chef's kitchen complemented by an award-winning garden.
Contact: Wolfram Petner
215-551-2567
Added November 2011
Spring Garden Townhouse
1937 Mount Vernon Street, Philadelphia
Listed at $575,000
A sensitive new steward is sought for this this stately townhouse in the locally-designated Spring Garden Historic District. Feature intact historic interiors, three bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, formal living room and parlor, a rear deck and garden. For sale by owner.
Contact: Cathy Sipe
908-236-2407
kisasipe@earthlink.net
Contact: Cathy Sipe
908-236-2407
kisasipe@earthlink.net
Added November 2011
Historic Germantown Home
81 Church Lane, Philadelphia
Listed at $225,000
Surround yourself with history in this Germantown gem, a five-bedroom, two-and-one-half bath colonial rowhouse listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places and included in the Germantown National Register Historic District. The home features a newly-restored front porch along with a many original historic interior features and a large rear yard.
Contact: Sheneva Paz, Exit Tri-State Group
302-345-2297 (cell)
sp.realtor7@gmail.com
Click here for more information
Added October 2011
Overbrook Farms 
6025 Overbrook Avenue, Philadelphia
William Lightfoot Price, c. 1898
Alterations by Horace Trumbauer, 1912
Listed at $349,900
6025 Overbrook Avenue, Philadelphia
William Lightfoot Price, c. 1898
Alterations by Horace Trumbauer, 1912
Listed at $349,900
This Overbrook Farms home with a stunning architectural pedigree is currently bank-owned. The eight-bedroom, four-bath house features original architectural details throughout, plus a detached three-car garage and in-ground swimming pool! The property is included in the Overbrook Farms National Register Historic District. Buyer incentives and agent bonuses available for a limited time through Fannie Mae's Homepath program.
Contact: Mitchell Cohen, Premier Real Estate, Inc.
215-732-5355
Click here for more information
Added September 2011
Price Villa
2 Porter Lane, Rose Valley, PA
William Lightfoot Price, 1911
Listed at $650,000 SOLD!
2 Porter Lane, Rose Valley, PA
William Lightfoot Price, 1911
Listed at $650,000 SOLD!
This Italianate Villa is one of only five Arts & Crafts residences designed by the architect William Lightfoot Price as part of his “idyllic suburban” Rose Valley development in 1911, a neighborhood honored in 2010 by its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. This 3,300 square-foot masterpiece showcases Price's aesthetic ideals with a bounty of original details: original terra-cotta tiled roof, local unpainted creek-sand stucco, Mercer tiles inside and out, and more. Offering 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and central A/C on a 3/4-acre parcel, this comfortable modern home is a hidden oasis.
Contact: Scott Laughlin, Prudential Fox & Roach
215-275-1685
scott.laughlin@prufoxroach.com
Click here for more information
Added August 2011
Built on a William Penn land grant dated 1682, this colonial stone house is one of the oldest structures in Newtown Square, Delaware County. The 2-acre property includes the 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath, and 6-fireplace main house plus a detached office/studio.
Contact: Bob Wilford,
Wayne Home Marketing/Prudential Fox & Roach
610-688-4310 (office)
cbwilford@aol.com
Click here for more information
Added July 2011
Columbus Hall
744-46 S. 8th Street, Philadelphia
Circa 1897
Listed at $850,000
Rosato House
1690 Yellow Springs Road, Chester Springs, PA
Circa 1840
Listed at $399,000 $349,900!
Dower House
100 E. Goshen Road, West Chester, PA
Circa 1712; Restored by Brod Oakie in 1923
Listed at $890,000
This West Chester colonial was once home to famous author Joseph Hergesheimer, who hired noted architect R. Brognard Oakie for extensive renovations in 1923. The home sits on 3.5 acres and includes a carriage house studio, heated two-car garage, gazebo and stone garden house.
Contact: Bunny Meister, James A. Cochrane, Inc.
610-793-1219
Click here for more information
Added July 2011
Contact: Scott Laughlin, Prudential Fox & Roach
215-275-1685
scott.laughlin@prufoxroach.com
Click here for more information
Added August 2011
William Lewis House
4111 Goshen Road, Newtown Square, PA
Circa 1708
Listed at $1,050,000 SALE PENDING!
4111 Goshen Road, Newtown Square, PA
Circa 1708
Listed at $1,050,000 SALE PENDING!
Built on a William Penn land grant dated 1682, this colonial stone house is one of the oldest structures in Newtown Square, Delaware County. The 2-acre property includes the 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath, and 6-fireplace main house plus a detached office/studio.
Contact: Bob Wilford,
Wayne Home Marketing/Prudential Fox & Roach
610-688-4310 (office)
cbwilford@aol.com
Click here for more information
Added July 2011
Columbus Hall744-46 S. 8th Street, Philadelphia
Circa 1897
Listed at $850,000
This turn-of-the-century Bella Vista social hall features a ground-floor restaurant space and a second-floor banquet room with 12-foot ceilings. A liquor license for both floors is included in the sale price. Also included are the building's turn-of-the-century archives-- ledgers, records, and membership files from its days as a South Philadelphia institution. Last occupied by Mama Yolanda's Italian Restaurant, this striking historic building is primed for a distinctive new life.
Contact: Joseph Cristinzo, Mercury Real Estate Group
215-462-5100
Click here for more information
Added July 2011
Contact: Joseph Cristinzo, Mercury Real Estate Group
215-462-5100
Click here for more information
Added July 2011
Rosato House1690 Yellow Springs Road, Chester Springs, PA
Circa 1840
Listed at $399,000 $349,900!
Set in the heart of historic Yellow Springs Village, this restored gem dates from the early nineteenth century, with a Revolutionary War-era lower level featuring a walk-in stone and brick fireplace. Elegant inside and out, the four-bedroom home features hardwood floors and original molding details throughout, plus a modern kitchen and detached two-car garage. The house is central to the rich historic legacy of Yellow Springs, an eighteenth-century spa village that later became a major civil war orphanage (1868-1912), country campus for the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (1916-1952), and home of Good News Productions (1952-1974), the film studio responsible for the cult classic The Blob.
Contact: Bill Cochrane, James A. Cochrane, Inc.
610-469-6100 (office)
610-476-4779 (cell)
Click here for more information
Added July 2011
Contact: Bill Cochrane, James A. Cochrane, Inc.
610-469-6100 (office)
610-476-4779 (cell)
Click here for more information
Added July 2011
Dower House100 E. Goshen Road, West Chester, PA
Circa 1712; Restored by Brod Oakie in 1923
Listed at $890,000
This West Chester colonial was once home to famous author Joseph Hergesheimer, who hired noted architect R. Brognard Oakie for extensive renovations in 1923. The home sits on 3.5 acres and includes a carriage house studio, heated two-car garage, gazebo and stone garden house.
Contact: Bunny Meister, James A. Cochrane, Inc.
610-793-1219
Click here for more information
Added July 2011
Watkins Building
1031-33 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
Albert W. Dilks, 1894
Listed at $2,750,000 SOLD!
1031-33 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
Albert W. Dilks, 1894
Listed at $2,750,000 SOLD!
This Chestnut Street landmark was home to Society Hill Furniture for over 60 years, but is now vacant and awaiting a new life. Tax credit eligible and listed on both the Philadelphia and National Registers, the building features wonderful architectural details, large ground-floor retail space, and seven well-lit, open upper floors.
Contact: Kenneth Mallin, Mallin Panchelli Nadel Realty
267-238-1711
or Steven M. Clofine, Mallin Panchelli Nadel Realty
267-238-1722
Click here for more information
Added June 2011
Former Mercantile Library
1021 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
Martin, Stewart & Noble, 1952
Listed at $1,350,000 SOLD!
The first Modernist building ever listed on the Philadelphia Register, the former Mercantile Library was awarded a Gold Medal award by the American Institute of Architects in 1954. Today the property languishes in poor condition, but could become a showcase restoration project. 1021 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
Martin, Stewart & Noble, 1952
Listed at $1,350,000 SOLD!
Contact: Kenneth Mallin, Mallin Panchelli Nadel Realty
267-238-1711
or Steven M. Clofine, Mallin Panchelli Nadel Realty
267-238-1722
Click here for more information
Added June 2011
Germantown Town Hall
5928 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia
John P.B. Sinkler, 1923
Listed at $400,000
John P.B. Sinkler, 1923
Listed at $400,000
Modeled after William Strickland's Merchant Exchange Bank at 3rd and Walnut Streets, this three-story, 28,000 sq. ft. building is listed on both the Philadelphia and National Registers of Historic Places and is eligible for low interest financing and historic tax credits. It is zoned C-2 Commercial and includes on-site parking. Owned by the City of Philadelphia, the building is vacant and seeking new life as an anchor to one of the city's most historic neighborhoods.
Contact Liz Gabor, PIDC
215-496-8142
Click here for more information
Added April 2011
Engine House #29
1221-25 N. 4th Street, Philadelphia
John T. Windrim, 1894
Listed at $1,000,000
1221-25 N. 4th Street, Philadelphia
John T. Windrim, 1894
Listed at $1,000,000
This former Northern Liberties fire station, listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places, was likely designed by famed Philadelphia architect John T. Windrim. Zoned L4 Light Industrial, the 14,400 sq. ft. building is owned by the City of Philadelphia and is currently vacant. Low interest financing is available for commercial/industrial use.
Contact: Liz Gabor, PIDC
215-496-8142
Click here for more information
Added April 2011
Harmon Steel House
Charleston Township, PA
Oskar Stonorov, 1946
Disassembled: Free for relocation and reassembly
Charleston Township, PA
Oskar Stonorov, 1946
Disassembled: Free for relocation and reassembly
Modernist architect Oskar Stonorov designed this prefabricated steel house as a prototype housing system for returning WWII veterans manufactured by Wilmington, DE-based Harman Corp. Constructed on family property in Chester County circa 1946, the house was disassembled in 2006 and is currently in storage.
Historic interior photos of Harmon Houses are included in the Library of Congress archives here.
Contact: John Gallery, Preservation Alliance
215-546-1146 x1
Click here for more information
Added April 2011
Saint Peter's Episcopal Church 
of Germantown
6008 Wayne Avenue, Philadelphia
Furness & Hewitt, 1873; George Hewitt, 1883;
T.P. Chandler, 1889
Listed at $950,000
of Germantown6008 Wayne Avenue, Philadelphia
Furness & Hewitt, 1873; George Hewitt, 1883;
T.P. Chandler, 1889
Listed at $950,000
This four-building, 1.3 acre picturesque former church complex boasts the work of Philadelphia's most preeminent Victorian Gothic architects, Frank Furness, George Hewitt and T.P. Chandler. The property includes a church, chapel, parish house and single-family home with a combined 13,310 sq. ft. Listed individually on both the Philadelphia and National Registers, the site is also included in the National Register-listed Tulpehocken Station Historic District.
Contact Frank Barletta, Colliers International
215-928-7576
Click here for more information
Added April 2011
Murphy House
1601 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE
Circa 1840
Free for relocation PROPOSAL PENDING!
A nineteenth-century stone farmhouse faces demolition unless a new owner willing to relocate the building can be found. The Nemours Foundation is seeking proposals to relocate the 2,000 sq. ft. house from its current location opposite the DuPont Children's Hospital outside Wilmington, Delaware. Historic American Buildings Survey photos of the house are available here, and current photos here.1601 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE
Circa 1840
Free for relocation PROPOSAL PENDING!
Contact: Grace Gary, Nemours Foundation
302-651-4000
Click here for more information
Added April 2011
Weise House
2935 Whitehall Road, East Norriton Township, Montgomery County, PA
Louis I. Kahn, 1947-1950
Listed at $995,000
A
1950 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal winner, this 2,400 sq. ft. 3 bed 3 bath Kahn design sits on 5.5 acres 18 miles west of Center City Philadelphia. This is the first house the architect designed after returning from a career-defining tour of the ruins of Italy, Greece and Egypt in the early 1950s.2935 Whitehall Road, East Norriton Township, Montgomery County, PA
Louis I. Kahn, 1947-1950
Listed at $995,000
Among its many charms is an original Kahn mural in the living room!
Contact: Tone Realty
610-272-3333
Click here for more information
Added April 2011
University Club
1316 Walnut Street, Philadelphia
Wilson Eyre, 1887
Listed at $1,700,000 SOLD!
For sale or lease, this Philadelphia Register-listed 1887 building by nationally-renowned architect Wilson Eyre was built as a clubhouse for an elite Philadelphia social club. The five-story, 11,000 sq. ft. building is tax-credit eligible and could be a phenomenal restoration project inside and out. 1316 Walnut Street, Philadelphia
Wilson Eyre, 1887
Listed at $1,700,000 SOLD!
Contact: PernaFrederick Commercial Real Estate
215-496-9675
Click here for more information
Added April 2011
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