Philadelphia rentals: What’s available in older buildings

Now that we know the effect aging buildings have on the Philadelphia rental market, we wondered what rents looked like in local buildings built before 1960. These three buildings retain some of their period charm, but in every example, you can expect to pay something of a premium. These units go for more than the median figure in Philadelphia — sometimes by a few dollars, and in other cases by several measures of magnitude.

Park Towne Place Premier
2200 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Year built: 1959
Monthly rents
Studio: $1,349-$1,629
1 Bedroom: $1,773-$2,279
2 Bedroom: $2,204-$7,398
3 Bedroom: $3,432-$10,579
Tell me all about it: Park Towne Place has recently undergone renovations that have added common amenities to the community, including a social lounge with billiards and demonstration kitchen, a boxing gym, spin studio, and pool deck with cabanas. Newly remodeled units now include quartz countertops, wood-plank flooring, stainless steel appliances, and stackable private laundry.

2023 Cherry St., Philadelphia
Year built: 1800 
Monthly rent: $2,300
Tell me all about it: This two-bedroom home in Logan Square features hardwood flooring, a handsome front door with transom, and a sunny kitchen with sliding-door access to a bright patio. We love the walk-in closet adjacent to the master bath.

The Drake
1512 Spruce St.
Year built: 1929
Monthly rents
Studio: $1,116-$1,396
1 Bedroom: $1,346-$1,939
2 Bedroom: $2,091-$2,250
3 Bedroom: $7,400
Tell me all about it: Love the Drake, which retains much of its original detail — especially in its spectacular lobby. The 32-story building features a fitness center, 24-hour maintenance, and a shared laundry facility. Units include interesting architectural details like mullioned windows and city views.