History
History in the Making
The next chapter in an iconic, storied location. Once home to a large brewery that proudly served Manayunk’s world-famous beer…
Today, three beautiful buildings (former Church, Rectory, and School) each architecturally distinct, have been immaculately restored and completely revolutionized into modern-day luxury apartments.
Discover the fully story in the video below.
Second Life to Architectural Masterpieces
Each of these 3 architectural treasures (former Church, Rectory, and School) once part of the St Mary’s campus of Manayunk have been converted into luxury boutique modern apartment homes and meticulously appointed with ultimate designer finishes, stunning new windows, state-of-art sound control, garage parking, and cutting-edge sustainability. Each with unique character and charm.
The best of modern building technology meets the most desirable features of historic buildings – tall ceilings, intricate trim and wood detailing, big windows, loft-style spaces, and unique character and charm. The buildings’ original character are maintained, yet is juxtaposed next to complete modern luxury interiors.
When you walk through the halls of the former school, you will immediately feel the beauty of soaring loft ceilings, 9 foot wide hallways on 1st and 2nd floor, and craftsmanship that couldn’t be replicated today.
The former stunning Church (Bell Collection) was built around 1849 and used hand-cut stone designed to last centuries. Standing next to the church, one can admire how each stone piece was individually cut and hauled up the hills to be strategically placed. Each apartment in the Church has unique character and charm with stunning 11 foot ceilings and uniquely-tall windows. The former bells of the Church were salvaged, restored, and placed in the lobby of the building being the first to welcome residents and guests.
Attached to the former Church is the former Rectory (Mosaic Collection) also built during the mid-1800s. Each apartment in the former Rectory is undeniably unique. One apartment is a trinity-style apartment on three floors. One apartment has its own sunroom, and yet another has an outdoor deck larger than most single-family homes in the area as well as a sunroom.
Both the Church and Rectory are Designated Historic Structures. Enjoy living in some of Philadelphia’s most amazing historical buildings, completely revolutionized into modern apartments.
Soaring to New Heights
The former 5-story massive school (Heights Collection) built almost 120 years ago is still one of the highest buildings in Manayunk complete with beautiful crown molding, tall windows, and brick exterior built to last centuries.
On the interior, The Roe at Manayunk pays homage to the school by leaving the original interior large hallway width (9 ft width) and maintaining the feel of the light entering each classroom (although no longer transparent glass), the development team cleverly maintained the light-filled ambiance effect. A chalk board was also placed in the co-work space to pay homage to the former school.
On the first and second floor of the former school, loft-style flats feature about 11’ and 10′ ceilings and 9-10’ high windows. All apartments on the first and second floor of the former school have the original real hard-wood flooring which has been salvaged, completely sanded, and restored.
On the top floor of the former school, where a Hoosier-style Gymnasium once was (yes, this is a movie reference), the development team engineered and added an entire floor. The result? Amazing Penthouses, each complete with two levels (bi-level apartments) similar to townhomes. Each Penthouse Apartment features a partial living ceiling of about 20’ high. Many of the bedrooms overlook the floor below and most with triple-pane glass to allow maximum sunlight, privacy, and sound control.
The flooring of the Penthouses on the 3rd floor retains the gymnasium flooring that has been re-stored and re-colored, and the 4th floor has luxury new LVT flooring.
Additionally, all of the penthouse units feature staircases made of 300+ year-old rare wood salvaged from the timbers of the school or church. The original wood (heart pine) likely comes from a tree called the Longleaf Pine (native to the Southeastern region of the United States). The longleaf pine tree was adorned for its exceptional quality, strength, and beauty. Unfortunately, due to its desirable qualities, virtually all of the original millions of acres of trees were cut down during the civil war into the late 1800s and early 1900s for building.
It is almost impossible to purchase this wood today unless it is wood salvaged from an original building.
However, each penthouse features staircases inside their apartment with a loft hand-made from this rare wood.
Additionally, the views from many of the penthouses are stunning. You can see a video taken from the top floor panoramic views of the Manayunk Bridge.
Modern Finishes
These historic collections with undeniable architecture and craftsmanship maintained and restored, are contrasted by ultra high-end modern finishes.
Luxury hardwood or hardwood-style flooring throughout, Rain Shower Heads, Quartz Counter Tops, Semi-Custom Cabinets, Contemporary Lighting Packages, Upgraded Appliances, Double Vanities in Many Master Baths, Floating Vanities, Upgraded Closets, Full Size Washer/Dryer in Every Apartment and more.
Each apartment also comes with cutting-edge technology, including smart thermostats, smart locks, fob access, and state of art-video intercom (to see, hear and speak to guests before entry) as well as state of art resident accessible surveillance system (when fully complete).
A New Standard in Building
This historic development was taken on to set the standard for what residential development should be – the idea that one can build new, renovate, demonstrate green sustainability, be near a train station, have parking, and amenities, and build a desirable product all in one.
To utilize the most advanced and sophisticated elements available in modern-day buildings for Sound Control, Energy Efficiency, and Ultra-Luxury.
While the average renter may not consider how important these features are until after they move in, it should be part of every renter’s decision-making process.
A few examples are below. With respect to energy efficiency:
- Rather than use a standard HVAC system, The Roe at Manayunk uses a highly efficient HVAC system (capable of operating at negative 5 degrees). The result is not only a more reliable and comfortable heating and cooling experience but lower utility bills for residents.
- Rather than keep existing windows (the cheapest solution), we installed highly efficient state of art windows. This will save a considerable amount on your electric bill.
With respect to sound control:
- Rather than simply meet the minimum sound control rating (minimum STC rating), we exceeded that by investing in re-engineered walls, floors, and ceilings. Careful materials are selected for whisper-quiet living.
- Rather than use standard interior apartment doors (hollow core), we chose to use solid doors (made of solid material) that can dramatically reduce interior noise within your apartment and add to the quality.
This quality extends to smaller details as well, such as LED lights in nearly all bedroom ceilings (most apartments require you to bring lamps in rooms), quiet close toilet seats, full-size washer/dryer (as opposed to smaller ones), upgraded appliances, extra insulation even in bathrooms, and so much more.
We chose to install a luxury video intercom system (as opposed to a standard call box) where you can see hear, and talk to residents.
No creaky floors here. Get the best of historical charm but re-engineered for sound control and quiet living.
The fitness center was carefully designed and upgraded. We wanted residents to feel like they were in a 5-star hotel.
The Roe at Manayunk is not your typical apartment building.
Unimaginably Different
Why live in a typical apartment building (box on a street with minimum parking), when you can live in historical masterpieces completely re-done into modern luxury apartments…with green space, amenities, and a community (really a campus setting).
Choose from three historical buildings – unique one-bedroom to three-bedroom, and loft apartments in the heart of Manayunk, Philadelphia, PA.
If you prefer ground-up new construction, choose our new construction townhome rentals (coming soon).
Live in an apartment as unique as you. Unmatched luxury historic apartments in Philadelphia, PA.
Intimate Boutique Living
Get all the bells and whistles (pun intended) without the crowds.
It combines the best of luxury apartment living, but in a lifestyle formerly only found in ultra-private penthouses.
If you live in the former historic church (Bell Collection), there are only 7 apartments in the entire building.
Even our largest building (Heights Collection) has a maximum of just 5 to 7 other residents per floor.
A new construction townhome rental community (coming soon) will be added to the site for those who desire a little more space, the private-entrance experience, maintenance-free lifestyle, attached garage parking, and still want to access the amenities and lifestyle found in high-end apartment living.
All these historic apartments and new construction townhomes have access to our fitness center, yoga flex space, and amenities.
You don’t need to live in Old City, Philadelphia to get a historic apartment building. Enjoy some of Philadelphia’s treasured historic buildings adaptively converted and steps from Manayunk’s historic and famous Main Street.
A New Chapter
Connected to the historical buildings, are new construction townhome rentals. Where else can you rent a townhome (that’s part of a full community) with garage parking, and have access to the gym and on-site amenities?
The Roe at Manayunk offers every type of living, private entrance and semi-private entrance, 1,2, or 3 bedrooms, townhomes and apartments, flats or lofts. Virtually each home at the Roe is unique and serves a variety of lifestyles.
Enjoy the comfort that comes from a connected community with shared walking paths, site lighting, green street trees, on-site parking, and amenities.
Roe Forward
The Roe at Manayunk is an amazing location – 1 block from the train, 1 ½ blocks to one of America’s Best Small Towns, the appeal of new construction, the charm of a historical site, and the opportunity to build a life outdoors.
Choose whatever type of floor plan or living you desire.
Experience humble luxury, green-sustainability, and a future-forward approach.
Be a part of history. #Roe Forward.
