On The Market: Zoned for six units, renovated for one on Spring Garden
On the Market profiles homes for sale in the Philadelphia region.
Editor's note: This home has been sold.
When Bill Russell bought his home at 2011 Spring Garden Street, the façade was in shambles and the building had five separate tenants. His plan was to create one single family home.
"It was – shall I say – daunting," he said.
Russell grew up in a brownstone in West Philadelphia and had visions of creating something similar in Fairmount.
"When I bought this house, it was way out in the sticks," he said of the growing neighborhood. "This is like Center City now."
Since purchasing the home in 2000, retail and dining options in Fairmount have expanded substantially.
"You're gonna look out my front door and see the new Whole Foods," Russell said. "It's all 25- to 45-year-olds pushing baby carriages and walking dogs."
Built and zoned for six separate units, the property is nearly 4,000 square feet. "Each floor of this house is enough for a two-bedroom apartment," Russell said.
Russell left the zoned plumbing intact during the renovation, leaving open the possibility that future owners might turn the home back into separate units.
In addition to square footage, the home boasts original detailing like crown moldings and a fireplace. Both are prominent in the study, which is Russell's favorite room.
Outside, the property features a large patio fronting Spring Garden and a back yard that is partially cobblestone and partially decked. "It's one of the biggest, best yards you could ever see in Center City," Russell said.
The property is currently listed with Jeff Block for $750,000. Russell is selling now because he divides his time and his business between Pennsylvania and Florida. "I don't need a 4,000 square-foot house here in Philadelphia," he said.