Mandeville Place to Combine Residential, Retail, and Office Space on Philadelphia's Schuylkill River
Bedrock Group, a Philadelphia-based developer, announced that it has retained renowned architect Richard Meier & Partners to design Mandeville Place -- a mixed-use project featuring ultra-luxurious condominiums on the former Rosenbluth International site at 2401 Walnut Street in Philadelphia. Completion is anticipated by March 2008.
Richard Meier & Partners has built numerous landmark buildings worldwide including the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, the Hague City Hall, and Central Library, the new San Jose City Hall and the Perry Street and Charles Street Condominiums in Manhattan. A recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the profession's highest accolade, Richard Meier was also awarded one of the 20th Century's most important commissions -- the design of The Getty Center in Los Angeles.
"This is an extraordinary opportunity to contribute to the city's skyline and important architectural history," said Meier. Working on the Philadelphia project with Richard Meier as lead designer will be his partner, Michael Palladino, who has served as the lead designer on The Getty Center and other award-winning projects in the United States and abroad.
Plans for Mandeville Place include approximately 44 condominium units ranging from 3,400 to 12,000 square feet, a state-of-the-art health club, floating swimming pool, outdoor jogging track, screening room, and parking. In addition, Bedrock Group plans to renovate the adjacent building that formerly housed the worldwide headquarters of Rosenbluth International. The two buildings will be attached by an enclosed footbridge on the second floor. A portion of the 147,000 square foot office building, which currently is leased to American Express, will be converted to retail and restaurant space geared toward the local community with the balance being marketed as Class A office. A complete exterior renovation of the existing building is also planned and will be overseen by Richard Meier and Partners.
Another member of the team is Philadelphia-based landscape architect Dennis McGlade, a principal at Olin Partnership, who, along with Laurie Olin, worked with Richard Meier & Partners on The Getty Center. Multiple park-like outdoor spaces are conceptualized, with mature trees and lush landscaping, including a roof-top "sky-garden" on the existing office building. "I am very excited -- this is a one-of-a-kind residential opportunity, unequaled in Philadelphia for fabulous location and marvelous views of the surrounding city," said McGlade.
Located four and 1/2 blocks from Rittenhouse Square, Mandeville Place is expected to be a boon to Philadelphia. The condominium building is being designed to maximize both views and natural light, with floor to ceiling windows providing 360 degree views in higher units. Facing the Schuylkill River, the western and northwestern exposures provide views of the Philadelphia Art Museum, Boathouse Row, 30th Street Station, and University City, as well as sports stadiums to the south and the Center City business district skyline to the east.
"I'm thrilled to have one of the world's premier architectural firms bringing a world-class building of this magnitude to the city," said Charles X Block, President of Bedrock Group, former Vice Chairman and a principal shareholder of Rosenbluth International and Philadelphia native. "Mandeville Place should help further the Center City renaissance and will act as a catalyst for continued urban re-migration. It will meet Philadelphia's demand for high rise luxury residences conducive to both sophisticated entertaining and comfortable family living."