RSHP's first project in Philadelphia breaks ground

RSHP has unveiled designs for its first project in Philadelphia, which recently broke ground in the heart of the Washington Square West neighborhood. 

Developed by Midwood Investment & Development, 210 South 12th St. will be a 32-storey, mixed-use residential building, with two floors of retail, and 378 built to rent residential units. RSHP is the lead design architect on this project working in tandem with BLT Architects.

“210 South 12th Street provides a sensitive counterpoint to the existing 19th-century urban fabric that characterises this central city site,” said Richard Paul, Partner, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. “Articulated through the vocabulary of its architectural detailing and materiality, it will infuse new life with its active 12th Street frontage to this well-established neighbourhood and add a sleek and elegant contribution to the city’s skyline profile.”

“210 South 12th Street marks RSHP’s first building in Philadelphia and represents a fantastic team effort from all those involved,” said Richard Black, Associate, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. “We are delighted to be working with Midwood on this landmark project in downtown Philadelphia, which through its retail offering and bustling amenity spaces will help add to the vitality of what is an exciting part of the city.” 

“The building’s award-winning team of architects and engineers led by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP) and BLT Architects collaborated to create a beautiful mixed-use residential building that will take its place on the Philadelphia skyline,” said John Usdan, CEO of Midwood Investment & Development. “We look forward to welcoming residents to this building in a vibrant neighbourhood in the middle of Center City for years to come. 

The building uses materiality and colour to stay consistent with the surrounding urban landscape to complement the other buildings throughout the neighbourhood, such as light-coloured aluminium cladding and shadow boxes, which reference the use of brick in surrounding buildings. The facade will be adorned with grain and texture and include cantilevered end bays, which, along with a series of three-storey modules, break down the scale of the facades.

210 South 12 St. will feature a wide array of amenities, including a swimming pool, games room, gym, high-level terrace and lounge area with greenery, and a stunning view of Center City and the waterfront. Select units will include inset residential balconies. The building will also feature an automated parking system featuring 97 underground parking spots, and space to accommodate over 125 bicycles.