Burritos the Size of Your Head

Restaurant Review by Aaron Stella

Since 2004, El Fuego has been setting Washington Square West ablaze with their California-styled burritos made with fresh, locally bought ingredients, beer, margaritas, and an ardent passion for soccer. What’s more is that they provide clean furnishings, and a warm, neighborhood bar/burrito joint run by an enthusiastic staff who seeks to enkindle the same verve for the West coast in their patrons that they embrace themselves. Think of it as a clubhouse for all the aforesaid. You mosey over to 7th and Walnut, pull up in a bar chair, and soak in the vim and good vibes. Grab one of El Fuego’s beers on stock: any Mexican beers you’ve even vaguely heard of, they got it (and they’re easy on the wallet, too). But down to business: the burritos. Every season of meat is available, and is dished out in copious portions and wrapped in plenty of spice. These burritos are gigantic. Tacos and quesadillas–also enormous–are offered as well, along with a smattering of sides (guacamole, anyone?). If not one of the budget beers, then slake your burrito giganticus away with one od El Fuego’s house margarita mixes—also a steal. Be wary if you’re a soccer fan: you might never leave, because most of the time a game’s playing on one or more of the plasmas. All in all, El Fuego’s a great hang out spot and neighborhood eatery—as West Coast Philadelphia as they get. Love them!

Get to Know Washington West Philadelphia a Little Better

Listing Post by Aaron Stella

CITYSPACE: re-thinking real estate. There’s a wonderful  sense of contentment one gains when looking out upon a neighborhood and knowing what’s around, who’s around, and what’s going on. No one—especially in a city—is isolated from all else, but part of a larger whole that moves and changes with time. And so it’s good to know what’s around in the present. CITYSPACE wants to help in your quest to know more, this time, in learning about the vibrant Washington West Area of Philadelphia, with this list of public amenities (police stations, schools, hospitals and libraries). Enjoy!

Police Stations

Philadelphia Police Advisory

34 S 11th St # 6
Philadelphia, PA 19107-4912
(215) 686-3991
phila.gov

Sheriff’s Department-Domestic Relations

34 S 11th St # B-10
Philadelphia, PA 19107-4912
(215) 686-3526

District Police Substation

660 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106-2308
(215) 440-5551

Schools

Hussian School of Art

1118 Market St Ste 2
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 981-0900
hussianart.edu

Temple University: Law School of Klein Hall

1206 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 204-7861
temple.edu

Thomas Jefferson University: College of Health Professions

130 South Ninth Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 503-8890
(215) 503-7241 Fax
tju.edu

Thomas Jefferson University

1015 Chestnut St # 402
Philadelphia, PA 19107-4316
(215) 955-6331
(877) 503-8350
(215) 456-6178
(215) 574-0075
(215) 922-1801
tju.edu

Hospitals

The Pennsylvania Hospital

800 Spruce St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 829-3000
(215) 829-3530
(215) 829-3497
(215) 829-3430
(215) 829-3494
pennhealth.com

Wills Eye Hospital

840 Walnut St # 1020
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5109
(215) 928-3000
(215) 928-3300
willseye.org

Jefferson University Hospital: Registrar’s Office
1020 Locust St # 279
Philadelphia, PA 19107-6731
(215) 955-5060
(215) 503-8894
(215) 955-6980
jeffersonhealth.org

Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital Ltd

900 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5509
(215) 928-3300
(215) 928-3080
(215) 440-3150
(215) 928-3000
(215) 440-3145
willseye.org

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

111 S 11th St
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5084
(215) 955-6000
jeffersonhospital.org

Pa Hospital Radiation Oncology

800 Spruce St
Philadelphia, PA 19107-6130
(215) 829-3873
(215) 893-3873

Libraries

Historical Society of Pennsylvania

1300 Locust St
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5699
(215) 732-6201
(215) 732-6200
hsp.org

Library Co of Philadelphia

1314 Locust St
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5698
(215) 546-3181
(215) 546-2465
librarycompany.org

Library For the Blind

919 Walnut St # 1
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5237
(215) 683-3213
phila.gov

Scott Memorial Library

1020 Walnut St # 310
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5543
(215) 503-8848
jefferson.edu

Jenkins Law Library

833 Chestnut St # 1220
Philadelphia, PA 19107-4429
(215) 574-7900
(215) 574-1500
jenkinslaw.org

Aids Library

1233 Locust St # 2
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5453
(215) 985-4851
aidslibrary.org

Charles Kelman Library

840 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5109
(215) 928-3288

Know Where to Go In Washington West

Washington West listing post by Aaron Stella

CITYSPACE: re-thinking real estate. Here at CITYSPACE, real estate entails much more than just shuffling people from house to house, apartment to apartment, condo to condo; it’s about building and supporting a community—or city, as is the case—and providing people with the largest and most important possession: a home. And a home isn’t just contained within its four walls; it melds with its surroundings, the neighborhood at large. Therefore, to know your neighborhood is to know your home better. So to help, below you’ll find a handy-dandy list/locations of community centers, grocery stores, and gyms in the Washington West area. Know Washington West better! Enjoy!

Community Centers

Community Centers: William Way Community Center (LGBT)

1315 Spruce St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 732-2220
waygay.org

Haitian Community Center

1300 Spruce St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 732-3249
haitianconsulate-nyc.org

Jewish Community Center

401 S Broad St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 545-0153
(215) 446-3003-Executive offices
phillyjcc.com

Grocery Stores

VIP Food & Produce

1314 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 735-1977

Seven-Eleven

1201 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 564-6003
7-eleven.com

Chestnut Food Market

812 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-2877
(215) 627-1126

Serve-Rite Food Market

239 S 10th St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 238-1515
(404) 555-1256

Choi’s Deli

1228 Spruce St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 790-1344

Gyms

12th Street Gym

204 S 12th St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 985-4092
12streetgym.com

Vigorworks Fitness Center

(entrance on Juniper)
1315 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-2000
vigorworks.com

YMCA

125 S 9th St # 502
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 400-2100
ymca.net

Global Fit

510 Walnut St # 2
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 751-1992
globalfit.com

Restaurant Overview by Aaron Stella

Rum Bar
2005 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 751-0404
www.rum-bar.com

Vodka and gin have had their heyday, now it’s rum’s turn, and its all happening at Rum Bar in Rittenhouse. Owner Adam Kanter must have had pirates on the brain when he designed the joint: aside from the spectrum of burnt Tuscan colors and minimalist, post-industrial motifs, his efforts to conjure the decadence of piracy and adhere to Rittenhouse’s standards of finery found perfect harmony when he installed a genuflecting pirate statue he says he won off eBay. (Although commonly associated with Captain Morgan, Kanter assures this is not he). If the marauder of the seas didn’t do it for you, maybe Rum Bar’s 108 different rums will (you heard me. 108.). While some of the rums are used in Rum Bar’s mojitos and for infusions in their assorted eatables, Kanter recommends sampling each of his rums neat. To sweeten the deal, you can acquire a Rum Passport Card (free!), which a Rum bar bartender will use to keep track of all the rum you’ve imbibed at thir bar. Once you’ve tried all 108 rums, you’ll be awarded with a vintage bottle of rum priced around $250. (It is suggested that you don’t power through all 108 rums in one sitting, since you’ll only be left with more rum to drink in the end. Just saying) While you’re enjoying your libations, consider using them to slake back some of the Caribbean-Fusion comestibles served up in shareable portions. Note that the menu changes seasonally. And don’t forget to ask about their rum-infused desserts.  .

Fancy yourself a tip on the ‘ole rum bottle? Arrrrghh! Swarshbuckle on over to the Rittenhouse listings page and raise the flag!

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Center City

Thomas Lofts: 726-28 Market Street

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY: 12-2PM

48 Luxury Loft Residences in the heart of Center City starting at $249K

Conveniently located in between Washington Square, Old City and Chinatown, Thomas Lofts is a meticulously renovated building close to public transportation, many local parking lots and alternative car share providers. No detail is left out of these spacious units which are awash in natural light and alive with historical architecture.

• Elevator and Doorman building
• All lofts have true bedrooms and many have en suite bathrooms
• Soaring 12-24 foot ceilings with huge floor to ceiling windows
• Hardwood floors throughout with brushed steel entry doors
• Caesar Stone Counter Tops, Sophisticated tile or marble back splashes
• Stainless Steel Appliances including warming drawer and oven hood
• Glass tile or Calcutta marble Baths with pebble stone or slate floors
• Amazing attention to detail – industrial feel with clean modern finish
• Bosch stackable washer/dryer and tons of storage in each unit
• Exposed brick with original architectural details
• Great North, West and South facing views
• 10 year tax abatement and low condo fees

Northern Liberties

Brown Street Estates: 320 Brown Street

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY: 1-3PM

Townhomes in the heart of Northern Liberties — Only 3 Left! Starting at $729K

For the buyer with impeccable taste. Modern design with European sensibility. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 levels of outdoor space is the heart of Northern Liberties. And at approximately 3400 square feet, these townhomes truly would be a wonderful place to call home. Featuring indoor/outdoor fireplace, hardwood floors throughout, kitchens with stone countertops, Miele appliances and European cabinetry. Decks, patio, custom designed steel and glass stairs, large windows, finished basement, 760 square foot Master Suite and Garage Parking.

916 New Market: $625,000

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY: 1-2PM

With 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and 2100 square feet of space, this is a gem in the heart of Northern Liberties. Features inhabitable green roof, and is LEED Gold Certified. Other amenities in this contemporary home include NY Lofts cabinetry in the kitchen, custom steel and glass bridge, espresso bamboo floors througout, skylights, glass and tile baths with a Jacuzzi tub in the Master bath.

Thin Flats: 147-151 W. Laurel Street

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY: 2-3PM

From $549,900 to $679,900

Thin Flats created by local design and build firm Onion Flats, is where luxury meets sustainability. Featuring MODULNOVA Itallian designed kitchens with Jenn Air dual fuel oven and cooktop. Glass and tile bathrooms with custom made ceramic sinks and Bain Ultra/Kohler tub, and Grohe/Houzer low flow faucets. Hardwood floors throughout, with Jig Inc custom designed steel and glass stairs and bridge. Reduce your carbon footprint with solar thermal panels, green inhabitable roofs, rainwater harvesting cisterns, and indoor air quality and heat recovery systems. Private decks and and yards. 1 car parking with each unit with electric car charging port.

Rittenhouse

2047-49 Walnut Street, 1F: $549,900

OPEN SUNDAY 1-3PM

Enjoy the best of what Philadelphia has to offer with this wonderfully rehabbed condo building just one block from Rittenhouse Square Park and Walnut Street Shopping. The first floor front condo has hardwood floors throughout, modern kitchens with granite counter tops, Viking and Bosch appliances, modern bathrooms, large 20 foot floor to ceiling windows in the great room with an architecturally designed staircase that leads to the two upper floor oversized bedrooms. The pictures don’t do this space justice so come one and come all! Taxes to be determined. 10 YEAR TAX ABATEMENT!!

2024 Spruce Street, From $379,000 to $749,000

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 2-3:30PM

Elegant Living, Priced Right!

Come see this elegantly restored, former Victorian mansion has been converted into 6 luxurious condominiums that combine original details with the conveniences of modern living. Each unit is unique, featuring any number of charming amenities such as original stained glass windows, built in bookcases or decorative archways. Additional amenities include ornate non-working fireplaces with marble mantles and original tile work; completely renovated kitchens with custom cabinetry, granite counter tops and high end appliances. The baths have tile, glass and stone showers, some units include jacuzzi tubs as well. With hardwood floors and huge windows, these condos truly combine traditional elegance and modern renovation with ease. These are a must see!

OPEN HOUSES THIS SUNDAY

NORTHERN LIBERTIES

414 Brown Street, $400,000

OPEN HOUSE 1-3PM
2 beds, 2 baths, 2 half baths
•    Comp updated w/ 2 mast suites & finished bsmt
•    Hdwd flrs, open flr plan, great natural light
•    Pkg, Lg Outdoor Space & Tax abatement

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA

1931 Webster Street, $399,900

OPEN HOUSE 2:30-4PM
3 bed, 2.5 bath, 1800 SF
•    Hardwood flrs, SS apps, granite counters
•    Finished basement, roof deck w/great views!
•    8.5 yrs left on tax abatement

Party Review by Aaron Stella

RE/MAX City Space is movin’ on up at 2200 Walnut Street. A vast change from it’s more quaint quarters on Fairmount and 2nd, now the booming real estate company and its intrepid crew of agents employ enterprise from their palatial abode on the hems of Rittenhouse Square. A bold move, but all the more timely considering RE/MAX City Space’s continuing success. So to mark their migration, the company threw a swinging soiree last Thursday, March 5th. The party was a hit. Light bites and sophisticated drinks, as the invite noted, were served in plenteous platters (tuna skewers, chocolate covered strawberries, grapes, cheeses). Not to mention the bubbly kept flowing. A little factoid: RE/MAX City Space’s new office space was once home to Philadelphia City Hall designer John McArthur, which explains the ornate plaster curly-cuing and flitting across the crown molding and the darkly lustrous wood staircase winding to an arresting glass ceiling, which is no doubt cut from the same classic design of City Hall. Many more celebrations are certain to come as the event marked good tidings both for RE/MAX City Space and for Philadelphia. Check out some of the candids from the party below:

 

Northern Liberties

Brown Street Estates: 320 Brown Street

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY: 1-3PM

Townhomes in the heart of Northern Liberties — Only 3 Left! Starting at $729K

For the buyer with impeccable taste. Modern design with European sensibility. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 levels of outdoor space is the heart of Northern Liberties. And at approximately 3400 square feet, these townhomes truly would be a wonderful place to call home. Featuring indoor/outdoor fireplace, hardwood floors throughout, kitchens with stone countertops, Miele appliances and European cabinetry. Decks, patio, custom designed steel and glass stairs, large windows, finished basement, 760 square foot Master Suite and Garage Parking.

Thin Flats: 147-151 W. Laurel Street

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY: 1-3PM

From $549,900 to $679,900

Thin Flats created by local design and build firm Onion Flats, is where luxury meets sustainability. Featuring MODULNOVA Itallian designed kitchens with Jenn Air dual fuel oven and cooktop. Glass and tile bathrooms with custom made ceramic sinks and Bain Ultra/Kohler tub, and Grohe/Houzer low flow faucets. Hardwood floors throughout, with Jig Inc custom designed steel and glass stairs and bridge. Reduce your carbon footprint with solar thermal panels, green inhabitable roofs, rainwater harvesting cisterns, and indoor air quality and heat recovery systems. Private decks and and yards. 1 car parking with each unit with electric car charging port.

916 New Market: $625,000

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY: 1-3PM

With 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and 2100 square feet of space, this is a gem in the heart of Northern Liberties. Features inhabitable green roof, and is LEED Gold Certified. Other amenities in this contemporary home include NY Lofts cabinetry in the kitchen, custom steel and glass bridge, espresso bamboo floors througout, skylights, glass and tile baths with a Jacuzzi tub in the Master bath.

Rittenhouse

2047-49 Walnut Street, 1F: $599,000

OPEN SUNDAY 1-3PM

Enjoy the best of what Philadelphia has to offer with this wonderfully rehabbed condo building just one block from Rittenhouse Square Park and Walnut Street Shopping. The first floor front condo has hardwood floors throughout, modern kitchens with granite counter tops, Viking and Bosch appliances, modern bathrooms, large 20 foot floor to ceiling windows in the great room with an architecturally designed staircase that leads to the two upper floor oversized bedrooms. The pictures don’t do this space justice so come one and come all! Taxes to be determined. 10 YEAR TAX ABATEMENT!!

2024 Spruce Street, From $379,000 to $749,000

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 2-3:30PM

Elegant Living, Priced Right!

Come see this elegantly restored, former Victorian mansion has been converted into 6 luxurious condominiums that combine original details with the conveniences of modern living. Each unit is unique, featuring any number of charming amenities such as original stained glass windows, built in bookcases or decorative archways. Additional amenities include ornate non-working fireplaces with marble mantles and original tile work; completely renovated kitchens with custom cabinetry, granite counter tops and high end appliances. The baths have tile, glass and stone showers, some units include jacuzzi tubs as well. With hardwood floors and huge windows, these condos truly combine traditional elegance and modern renovation with ease. These are a must see!

Rittenhouse

2047-49  Walnut Street

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY: 1-3PM

Enjoy the best of what Philadelphia has to offer with this wonderfully rehabbed condo building just one block from Rittenhouse Square Park and Walnut Street shopping. 1 and 2 bedrooms in the heart of the city. Amenities include hardwood floors throughout, modern kitchens with granite counter tops, Viking and Bosch appliances, modern bathrooms, and huge windows for plenty of natural light.

Northern Liberties

Brown Street Estates: 320 Brown Street

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY: 1-3PM

Townhomes in the heart of Northern Liberties — Only 4 Left! Starting at $729K

For the buyer with impeccable taste. Modern design with European sensibility. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 levels of outdoor space is the heart of Northern Liberties. And at approximately 3400 square feet, these townhomes truly would be a wonderful place to call home. Featuring indoor/outdoor fireplace, hardwood floors throughout, kitchens with stone countertops, Miele appliances and European cabinetry. Decks, patio, custom designed steel and glass stairs, large windows, finished basement, 760 square foot Master Suite and Garage Parking.

Thin Flats: 147-151 W. Laurel Street

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY: 1-2PM

From $549,900 to $679,900

Thin Flats created by local design and build firm Onion Flats, is where luxury meets sustainability. Featuring MODULNOVA Itallian designed kitchens with Jenn Air dual fuel oven and cooktop. Glass and tile bathrooms with custom made ceramic sinks and Bain Ultra/Kohler tub, and Grohe/Houzer low flow faucets. Hardwood floors throughout, with Jig Inc custom designed steel and glass stairs and bridge. Reduce your carbon footprint with solar thermal panels, green inhabitable roofs, rainwater harvesting cisterns, and indoor air quality and heat recovery systems. Private decks and and yards. 1 car parking with each unit with electric car charging port.

916 New Market: $625,000

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY: 1-3PM

With 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and 2100 square feet of space, this is a gem in the heart of Northern Liberties. Features inhabitable green roof, and is LEED Gold Certified. Other amenities in this contemporary home include NY Lofts cabinetry in the kitchen, custom steel and glass bridge, espresso bamboo floors througout, skylights, glass and tile baths with a Jacuzzi tub in the Master bath.

Rittenhouse

2024 Spruce Street

OPEN HOUSE 1-3PM

JUST REDUCED! Starting at $369K –  6 luxurious 1 and 2 bedroom condos

Elegantly restored with original features and modern details. Tall windows, amazing light, African Walnut floors, and non-working fireplaces, 13.5 ft. ceilings, great rooms, Kitchens feature new cabinetry, granite counters, stone backsplash. Baths feature Mosaic glass tiled baths, natural stone flooring. Many amazing amenities and details with each separate unit, making each of the condos truly unique.

1813 Spruce Street

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 2-4PM

Condos starting at $309K in the heart of Rittenhouse Square!

Beautiful 1, 2 and 3 bedroom brownstones, completely rehabbed. Located one block from Rittenhouse park, this is a fantastic deal in a great neighborhood. Featuring Brazilian Teak wood floors, Espresso stainded custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, mosaic tile backsplashes, Carrera marble baths, washer/dryer, central air and intercom systems. Pet friendly building! 10 year tax abatement and low condo fees!