Philadelphia Residents Can Now Live Above William Penn’s Hat

By Erika Schnitzer, Associate EditorPhiladelphia–The Falcone Group, a Boca Raton, Fla.-based company specializing in real estate, telecommunications and financial industries, is making history with the redevelopment of Two Liberty Place. The building–the second-tallest in Philadelphia–will now become the tallest residential building in the city, and will also afford people the opportunity to live above William Penn’s hat, the landmark situated on top of City Hall. “The lowest residential floor is higher than any condominium that exists in Philadelphia today,” says Albo Antenucci, Jr., managing partner and executive vice president of The Falcone Group. Because this was originally an office building, the 40th floor–where the residences begin–is 500 ft. high, as opposed to in a standard condominium building, where it would be 400 ft. above the street, Antenucci explains.The top 20 floors of the 57-story tower–originally designed by architect Helmut Jahn– are being transformed into 90 luxury condominiums. The units will range from 1,150-sq.-ft. one-bedroom plus den to a 12,000-sq.-ft. mansion-in-the-sky. Unit prices range from $1 million to $15 million for the custom-designed penthouse.”Unlike other major cities where you have a large number of these high-rise buildings, this is the only residential tower of this height. You have unobstructed views all around the building,” Antenucci tells MHN. “You can actually see three states–N.J., Pennsylvania and Delaware.”Amenities in each unit include a fresh air ionization filtering system; Miele washer, dryer, coffeemakers, cooktops and ovens; Snaidero kitchen cabinets; Sub-Zero refrigerators and wine coolers; and River-to-River Mercedes-Benz Car Service. In addition to 24/7 lobby staff and doormen, residents will also have access to housekeeping, botanical service, catering and pet-sitting services.The 37th floor of the tower features an Owner’s Club, as well an 11,000-sq.-ft., five-star restaurant that will be open to the public but will offer residents preferred seating and catered room service. The Owner’s Club includes a fitness center with saunas, massage areas and steam rooms; Pilates and yoga center; spa treatment rooms; pet spa and grooming center; indoor “endless pool” with adjustable currents; and refrigerated cold storage to accept grocery deliveries.Residents will have the opportunity for personalized interviews with the concierge to determine the services and amenities best suited for their lifestyles.”For our management and concierge staff, we hired people from the hotel and service industry. It’s like living in a 5-star hotel,” says Antenucci.The redevelopment is expected to be completed in 2009 and is currently 50 percent sold. Two Liberty Place is adjacent to the Helmut Jahn-designed One Liberty Place, a glass-enclosed shopping center, hotel and office complex.