Sidewalk swings on Broad Street
Public swings coming soon to Broad Street, minutes from the building, are exactly the kind of small idea that changes how a street feels — people linger, families stop, the avenue turns friendly.
About the neighborhood
Nestled between two of America's oldest public squares.
Franklin Manor stands in Washington Square West — the historic middle of Center City, bounded by Rittenhouse Square to the west and Washington Square to the east. It is the part of Philadelphia where 18th-century brick, hospital campuses, and theatres share the same handful of blocks.
A location that does the work for you.
Almost everything a week requires is inside a fifteen-minute walk: four grocers (Mom's Market, Acme, Whole Foods, and Reading), several pharmacies, a few tailors, the Broad Street and Market–Frankford metro lines, Jefferson and Pennsylvania Hospital, the Kimmel Center, the Walnut Street Theatre, the Liberty Bell and the Independence Mall museums. Residents here easily run errands on foot. For day trips to New York or Washington, or farther away trips to San Francisco, Chicago, or Toronto the 30th Street train station is a quick 15 min bus ride or hour walk away from home.
Just as close as the markets are establishments to dine. The blocks around 13th and Pine hold restaurants that turn up in national best-of lists and international travel coverage, from long-standing BYOBs to places that have taken James Beard recognition. Winkel on Spruce St. and Saami Somi in Reading Market, USA Today awarded Kiddo and Canadian restaurant Mabu both across the street, and many acclaimed vegan spots like Monster.
More and more businesses are moving to Philadelphia from the burbs to attract talent from young professionals and students who want a better lifestyle out of life, after a few years of declining populations the future of the city looks bright. Welcome to one city among the greatest and most famous, with centuries of stories!
“The history here is not behind glass — it is the street you walk to get coffee.”
- Washington Square
- One of William Penn's five original squares, and a burial ground of the Revolution. A hidden gem is the Athenæum library. Washington Square has a history of LGBTQ+ activism going back to the early 20th century, and the City has a dozen historical markers commemorating that - more than any other city on Earth according to the Equality Forum.
- Independence Hall
- Where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and signed. The Hall was protected by President Truman among others and since 1979 is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Rittenhouse Square
- Philadelphia's most celebrated park, framed by townhouses and cafés.
- Antique Row
- Pine Street's century-old run of dealers, galleries, and restorers.
- Walnut Street Theatre
- The oldest continuously operating théâtre in the English-speaking world.
- Society Hill
- The largest concentration of original 18th- and 19th-century architecture in the country, just east. Relax by the beautiful Spruce Street Harbor park near the Delaware river looking at touring art installations.
City momentum
A city that keeps improving the ground floor while simultaneously reaching higher.
Philadelphia has spent the last several years investing in the parts of the City people actually feel: sidewalks, squares, street trees, transit entrances, and the small delights that make a dense neighborhood pleasant. Franklin Manor benefits from many of them. There even is a civic association in Washington Square West to represent neighbour interests.
Outdoor dining, made permanent
Philadelphia kept its streeteries and sidewalk cafés after they proved themselves, so warm months bring tables, lights, and conversation onto our blocks.
Tree canopy and green stormwater
City tree plantings continue to expand shade and soak up storms across Center City's historic streets. We expect to welcome a new tree outside our entrance soon.
Transit and bike investment
Protected bike lanes, a newly updated bus network (SEPTA Revolution), Indego stations, and rebuilt subway/metro entrances keep the neighbourhood connected.
Questions about the building or the block?
Contact the Board