Sky-high ceilings
North Point Lofts (3rd St. and Girard Ave.)
The details: Twenty units in a two-story building. “It was an old Dietz & Watson truck-repair facility, so you know it was built solid,” says condo owner Cristi Defino.
Neighborhood: Old Kensington
Price tag: $299,000 to $425,000
Why it’s worth it: The units are bi-level, with 15-foot ceilings, polished concrete floors and exposed beams as well as brick.
Parking: One indoor spot is included.
Insider info: “I liked that the neighborhood is up-and-coming and trendy,” says Defino, who moved from Central Jersey. “And I liked that the loft wasn’t build out, so I could design the entire thing.”
More space for your dollar
428 N. 13th St.
The details: A six-story condo building in a former garment factory built in the early 1900s.
Neighborhood: Loft District
Price tag: $189,000 to $400,000
Why it’s worth it: The condos include original hardwood floors, exposed ductwork, 13-foot-plus ceilings, and stainless steel in the kitchens.
Parking: There’s a lot next door for a fee.
Insider info: “I looked at about 25 places before picking this one. It was the best buy,” says Jim Hamon, who’s in the process of purchasing his condo. He currently lives in Old City. “It’s definitely different. You just can’t walk outside and go to restaurants. But in Old City you also can’t get all of this space for a fair price.”
City views and lots of light
Shoe Factory (314 N. 12th St.)
The details: A 10-story building that was “probably a shoe factory,” says Vickie Davis, a Realtor with MG Real Estate Group who works with buyers in the building.
Neighborhood: The Loft District, a no-man’s land between Center City and North Philly looking to become the city’s newest hip neighborhood.
Price tag: $179,000 to $289,000
Why it’s worth it: The open-layout units have huge factory windows, high ceilings, hardwood floors and lofted bedrooms.
Parking: Street, or at one of the nearby garages.
Insider info: Philisia Brooks, who lives in the Shoe Factory and is looking to sell her loft doesn’t anticipate any problem attracting buyers during an open house this Sunday: “I have a whole wall of north-facing windows looking out at the city — it creates a pretty amazing expanse of air and light.”
