Categories
Philadelphia

Lifestyle Healthcare Group Breaks Ground in Bucks County

 healthcare center last week.

 

 The ceremony took place at the center’s future location on 1 New Road, Bensalem, Pa. 19020
across from the state police barracks.

.  Christian
Gaumanni, Heather Long, William Hendrickson, and Lisa Sheehan
 PA Representative Gene DiGirolamo
 Scott Lindenbaum, Ashley Lindenbaum, and Amy Servis. 
 “We
are truly revolutionizing healthcare in the greater Philadelphia area with the
Lifestyle Comprehensive Healthcare Center,” said Fred Rappaport, CEO and
chairman of Lifestyle Healthcare Group. (l) with
Dr. Umar Farooq.
 “We have successfully developed a
healthcare model that allows primary care physicians to easily interact with
specialists who can deliver a superior level of care at one convenient
location,”
Rappaport said.
Jody L. Bender and Bensalem Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo
 Adrienne Kittka and Melissa Gondek
 
 Michele Light, Jeff Delay, and Tania Flemin

 Designed by
GS Architects, the Lifestyle Comprehensive Healthcare Center features a
thoughtful, upscale layout for both physicians and patients and can deliver
the highest level of quality care. A key specialty for the center includes
eight fully equipped operating suites fit for a wide variety of surgical
procedures. P. Agnes will manage all construction on the center and will
utilize the latest smart building concepts. Construction on the center is
expected to be completed by early 2015.

The Jenna Communication Team: Mike Young, Ashley
Kramer, Jen Sherlock, and Cristina Mucchetti at the Parx Casino Cocktail Party after the ground breaking.
      The
Lifestyle Comprehensive Healthcare Center consists of a group of physician and
private owners and delivers each individual practice access to cutting-edge
equipment and technology.

 

  Doctors and staff members can utilize the Lifestyle
Center’s labs, which contain state-of-the-art equipment on site for a large
number of tests and procedures.
Additionally, the center will use the latest
electronic medical record technology so that all physicians on the premises
can easily access a patient’s full medical history. Other patient services
include centralized billing and patient care coordinators to facilitate flow
through the center.

Nancie Pyne, Maureen Martin, and Deborah Popky.
 
 Richard Sohn and Paramjeet Kaur.

To
learn more about the Lifestyle Comprehensive Healthcare Center and its
complete list of medical services, visit its website http://www.lifestylehc.com/index.html. 
Thanks to Mike Hirata for shooting this for PhillyChitChat.com 
Categories
Philadelphia

Kelly Straka of Lux-Living sets the stage for The Argyle and celebrates new series on Design Network

Late last month I attended a party to introduce the brand new, fully furnished condos at The Argyle and to celebrate Lux-Living‘s new series on The Design Network which features a behind the scenes look at their work with professional athletes and real estate developers
Carmel Developments Inc. of Philadelphia, PA

Kelly Straka, (hello Kelly) founder of Lux-Living, featured the building on her new show The Lux
Life.

The launch party had over 150 guests, including real estate
agents, prospective buyers, and other developers.   

Kelly, Amit Azoulay
(r) of President of Carmel Developments Inc. of Philadelphia, PA, and Ben Henry of 820 Films
were in house filming another episode for the series and capturing some
of the fun during the event.  The event had a chef whipping up hor
dourves, a dj, bartenders, and beautiful condos open for guests to
preview and enjoy the night on the roof deck.

Harriet Lessy and Stephen Pollock
Andres Vielma, Rana Adams, and Kristin Stever
 
Each of the penthouse units had expansive outdoor space with city views.

The Argyle is 12 unit, new construction condo building near Broad and
Spring Garden (1241 Buttonwood).  The 2 bedroom units offer 1 car
parking, modern amenities, and are being offered fully furnished.  The
condos also have a 10 year tax abatement and low condo fees making this a
great buy for those who want to be close to the action in Center City
at an affordable price.

 

Justin Bresson, Greg Thayer and Keith Adams.
You can get more information on The Argyle via real estate agent Keith
Adams at www.adamsgroupmarket.com

Nick Petryszyn and Christopher Plant
Keith Adams, Rama Adams, James Conley and Rami Conley
Home staging, the
art of making your home look neat, stylish and inviting
to a potential home buyer, is the essential first step in selling
your home. If your staging is successful you will leave a lasting
impression on the home buyers and they will feel they can

make your place a home.

Eric and Kristina Long checking out the spacious bathroom at The Argyle
DJ Joe Mirarchi – Sound Solution Entertainment
Love these light fixtures
The Design Network shows (along with Ben Henry) is Rezon Harris of MDKing Productions (www.mdkpro.com)

A staged home helps the buyer with their imagination on where there furniture can go.

It also helps them with new ideas.

The Video from the making of the Lux-Living staging of The Argyle

Categories
Philadelphia

#Flyers Halloween Party at DelFrisco’s, YOUNG FRIENDS OF THE ACADEMY MONSTER’S BALL AND STRATUS LOUNGE HOSTS AN 80S PROM – LINKS

 Wednesday   The Honigman Group organized the Young Friends of the Academy Party & simultaneously organized the Halloween Party

 We all met up at Ten Six for the After Party
I’m not supposed to say which ones were there, but I can definitely say Scott Hartnell looks great in his new hair cut.
Check out the links to my two columns today: Philly Mag’s Young Friends of the Academy Ball and 
Phillydotcom Stratus Lounge 80s Prom
Categories
Philadelphia

FRESHII HAS LEFT THE BUILDING & The Mexican Post is Closed

I was walking by last night and they were packing up on their last day.

Freshii was all about quick, healthy food and opened in 2011 to much fanfare.

 And although they always seemed busy at lunchtime, they were kinda dead in the evening.

 I liked it when it first opened, but stopped going cause my clothes always smelled of fried fresh food, plus it really was anything but fast food. I was surprised they lasted this long. No word for their future cause I was in a hurry to shoot the Stratus Lounge Prom Party. Michael Klein reports that another restaurant near City Hall closed, the Mexican Post. I did like that place, but never really visited cause I always forgot where it was located, hidden over in the bushes across from the MSB Building. Wish there was one in Center City proper.

Categories
Philadelphia

The Very Hot Granary – Opening Night Party

Last week I photographed the grand opening of Philadelphia’s new, and most architecturally interesting building of late, The Granary.

  

Located in the very hot community of Logan Circle/Fairmount area, The Granary is named after the 12 story building next door, where it’s shaft held grain sometime last century. This Granary is a brand new, poured concrete constructed building, where a lot of thought was applied in accommodating its residents.
David Schultz of DAS Architects of Philadelphia designed The Granary, and his wife, Susan Davidson, 3rd from left) who co-owns DAS, did the interior design. Jim Pearlstein, Pearl Properties, Fab Dubrunfaut, who did the magnificent woodworking at the Granary, and Bill Curran who did all the metal work, and the grand staircase

Most of the work done by  DAS Architects
has been in the hospitality field, including restaurants and hotels,
but they have also done several residential properties and now The
Granary. Susan told me that Pearl Properties was looking for a great
place to live, with an emphasis on the living area of the building, lots
of potential for socializing. 
Artist/metal worker, Philadelphian Bill Curran created this floating staircase, which is the centerpiece of the lobby. It leads to the 2nd floor where many of the social living spaces are located...

  Coming home feels much like
checking into a fine hotel, starting with the large lobby and extending
to social spaces


including a music room with a baby grand piano, a
bi-level library,

 Shown here is the Club Room with a billards table and a magnificent 8 sided fireplace. These rooms also have free wi-fi.

There’s also a gorgeous gourmet kitchen for party rentals and resident cooking.

You’ll also find a nice size exercise room located on this floor.
Throughout the common spaces and the
residences, modern-day fashion is married with a rustic, industrial
feel, from handmade materials to custom work from local artisans.  “It’s
all about lifestyle and this is designed to be a social space,” said
David Schultz, AIA, and co-owner, with Susan Davidson, of DAS
Architects.  

Irvin Molina was the first tenant to move in a few months ago
Barry Gutin,‎Principal, Co-Founder GuestCounts Hospitality and Annette Walsh, DAS Architects. The food for the evening was provided by GuestsCounts’ Brûlée Catering.

Cory Gosik, Keegan Gosik, ‎Sales and Marketing Director at Sensational
Host, Choice Foods Inc., Karen Gosik, ‎HR Manager at Sensational Host
Caterers Inc., Henry Gosik, Sensational Host.Inc. President, and David
Schultz, DAS Architects & Designers. Karen was BFF’s with my sister Judy, while growing up. It was nice to see her.
Part of the architect team that worked on the project included: Morris Clark, Eric Baugher, Architect II at DAS Architects and Billy Campbell, DAS Architects
Tom Bond, Morgan Murray, Joe McMamus, and Alex Bond

The Granary contains 227 luxury apartments,
over 20,000 square feet of prime retail space and underground parking.

The apartments feature exceptional finishes including granite
countertops, stainless steel kitchen appliances, hardwood floors and
in-unit washer/dryers. Select units also feature balconies and high
ceilings.

Beth Etra and Jon Adler check out the kitchen in the one bedroom den.
Another social space is the rooftop lounge with grills, sofa’s, grass

and spectacular view of the Philadelphia Art Museum and The Barnes Museum, there on the left hand side. Did I mention you’re right next door to the Whole Foods. No more navigating that parking lot.
Sam Simpson Dor and Lauren Keibelwere live there. They love the social rooms, and the convenience to Whole Foods. She watched The Granary being built, as she shopped every couple days, and said I want to live there. Now she does.

Wendy Marks and Kerri Fetterolf- Kerri lives there, loves the apartments, the convenience to Center City and Fairmount Park.


Earlier this month I ran into Johanna Kilbride and her boyfriend,
Alex Volpi. They tell me they are moving into the Granary next month from a brownstone in the Fairmount area.


This week The Granary made news as
Lowe Enterprises Investors of Los Angeles bought the building, which
includes 229 apartments and 20,463 square feet of street-level retail
space that will have a dog shop, a restaurant called Pizzaria Vetri by Marc Vetri, Whirled Peace Yogurt and other stores. It also has parking.
Pearl Properties of Philadelphia constructed the $66 million project which totals nine stories and 310,000 square feet. (Phl Biz Journal) Nothing as far as leasing, and pricing have changed. It’s still one of the most awesome buildings to live in, with amenities that far outshine a lot of the places built in the past 5 years.

Categories
Philadelphia

Yogorino Closes and Robinson Luggage is going out of Business

 Yesterday I wrote about Kembrel closing, but the good news is Blue Claw is moving in.

Tonight I noticed two business’ closing, with no word on what’s going in. Yorgorino at 12th and Walnut Streets closed. I guess it just didn’t catch on because of all the competition from surrounding yogurt and fake yo stores. They still have an outlet at 20th and Locusts, and will be opening at 32nd and Chestnut soon.

 UPDATE: 11/7/13 – I HEAR THE IGLOO DESSERT IS MOVING IN. They have a spot in Greys Ferry too; Update Update: owner Zac Parker tells me that “It will be very similar to the first location with a few additions and
upgrades.  There will be more seating than the Yogorino space and there
will be outdoor seating too.  We hope to have a soft opening in late
January with a grand opening on March 1st.”

WOW this is a shocker. Robinson Luggage going out of business. They’ve really been a staple in Center City for decades. Kinda sad they’ve been defeated by the big box stores.  Check out the Robert Moran story in the Inquirer for the rest of the story.
BTW The Mandarin Chinese restaurant closed it’s doors at 19th and Chestnut about a month ago.
Categories
Philadelphia

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire – Victory Tour Comes to Cherry Hill 11/3/13 – Wristband Info

Meet Castmembers, win prizes and make memories!!

To celebrate 6 Weeks until The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Lionsgate is
proud to announce that the cast will embark on a National ‘Victory
Tour’ November 3rd—6th, 2013.  The tour will
include stops in Philadelphia, Miami, Minneapolis and Houston. Members of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
cast will participate in special Q&As with fans, signings, and more
in support of the worldwide release of the film in theatres on November
22nd. They’re in our area November 3, 2013 at the Cherry Hill Mall. This
event is free, but everyone must have a wristband to attend.  We will
be doing 2 wristband raids in the city/Cherry Hill prior to Sunday’s
event. 
Friday, November 1 from 6:30PM to 8:30PM at the AMC Loews Cherry Hill Movie Theater and
Saturday, November 2 from 11am to 2pm at the Franklin Institute.

 
 The Hunger Games Victory Tour, where 5 cast members (Sam Claflin, Jena
Malone, Bruno Gunn, Meta
Golding and Jeffrey Wright) will be visiting the Cherry Hill mall for a
fan event.  There will  be a Q&A hosted by Buster from Wired 96.5
and Wired, Kindle and CoverGirl will be giving out a limited number of
spots for a signing/meet & greet after the Q&A.
This
event is free, but everyone must have a wristband to attend.  We will
be doing 2 wristband raids in the city/Cherry Hill prior to Sunday’s
event. 
Friday, November 1 from 6:30PM to 8:30PM at the AMC Loews Cherry Hill Movie Theater and
Saturday, November 2 from 11am to 2pm.  Fans can come to
the AMC and Franklin Institute, right to the big Ben statue and pick up
their general admission wristband from there.   The lucky fans that will
meet the cast can win by listening to Wired
96.5 this and via social media from Kindle and CoverGirl.  


facebook.com/43KIXPhilly 

Categories
Philadelphia

So long Kembrel. Thanks for the chic. Blue Claw Sets Up A Brick & Mortar in it’s place – Buy American

Yesterday, I got word of Kembrel on Rittenhouse Square, at 1822 Chestnut was closing 
 after noticing a co-worker of mine with some fancy duds.

He told me that Kembrel’s was going out of business and was having a sale $75 for all the clothing you could stuff into a bag. He made out very well.

 I did a search on Twitter and no one had mentioned was chatting about the sale, including them. So I ran over there to see for myself. I was surprised, they always seemed to be having functions.
 I tweeted out the sale and several people took advantage of it, which makes me so happy.
 7 pairs of pants, wow, that’s a deal!! (I was in a hurry to cover something and couldn’t take advantage of the sale. So bummed.)

 Today the store will be spruced up and prepared for the new owners, Blue Claw, who bought out Kembrel (lock, stock & barrel) and will be opening for business on November 1, 2013
 
Adam Blitzer (pictured here with girlfriend Jessica Billups) and co-founder Alex Realmuto founded Blue Claw in 2010.  
 Blue Claw Co manufactures handmade Luxury Bags that have the
bright bold look that the mid 20′s to mid 30′s business professional
craves and the durability to handle all the travel people can throw at
them.  As many of our readers know we spend significant periods of time
on the road
Adam tells me that in addition to carrying all the Blue Claw products, they plan to carry American made clothing and products, shoes, socks, Stormy Kromer, Knot Clothing, Mizzen+Main is the go-to American performance professional apparel maker and haberdasher.
Great location for Blue Claw, being positioned right next to Boyds. No need to buy accessories at the very high end store, just come on over to Blue Claw for that. Plus those cool bags. Now if only we could get rid of that Valiant sign and replace it with Blue Claw?

So long Kembrel. Thanks for the chic.
Categories
Philadelphia

Red Owl Tavern hosted “Kick the Keg in Heels” Breast Cancer Benefit last Thursday, October 24th.

For a $5 donation at the door guests enjoyed an hour of free pink drinks and some of the Red Own Tavern’s (433 Chestnut St Philadelphia, PA) tasty treats from the kitchen. From 8pm on the party was in high gear until the keg was kicked, the pink drinks were now $5 and proceeds went to the University
of Pennsylvania’s Rena Rowan Breast Center..

There was a nice turnout for the event. Diana and Abby. 
 Dominic Capece (The Free Will brewing company) and Jessica Fulgham
The keg is a specialty Breast Cancer Awareness brew crafted locally by Free Will Brewing with input from Marnie Old and other notable women of Philadelphia’s culinary scene. 
 
Natalie Pineda General Manager of Red Owl Tavern greeting the guests. 
 Elyse Crawford, Jennifer Heinz, and Patrice Crawford
 Erik Travers, Restaurant Operations Director Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants/ Red Owl Tavern and Stratus Roof Deck Lounge, Natalie Pineda, General Manager of Red Owl Tavern and James Zeleniak, ceo Punch Media PR (representing Red Owl Tavern)
 Jonathan Campos, Chan Voong, Linda Voong, Ann Voong, and Sary Rinn.
 Natalie Hagerty, Andrew Ross, and Mischa Greenberg.
 Ray and Lisa Dissinger recently moved to our area from Tucson AZ.
 Sean Evans and Kelly Morrison.
 Sean, Mansi, and Abby.
 Thom Cardwell and James Zeleniak.
Aaron, Bridgin, and Natalie

 Jonathan Campos, Process Engineer at AGC Chemicals Americas Inc, Chan Voong, Linda Voong, Ann Voong, and Sary
Rinn. Sary’s been busy planning her wedding, which is taking place next July.
 Debbie Budnik and Christa Asman support the cause in Memory of
their dear friend Bonnie Girl. 
*****************
Thanks to PhillyChitChat’s Mike Hirata for shooting this client event.

Categories
Philadelphia

EXPANDING BUSINESS IN PHILLY – What Two Buildings Did to Increase the Foot Print of their Buildings

The Radisson Warwick Hotel
Is undergoing a major facelift to become the third Radisson Blu Hotel in the US. A sorta aloft type of hotel
A few weeks ago I noticed that the building at 16th and Market, which houses the Radian, and Republic Bank, underwent a unique renovation themselves.
You’ll recall they filmed scenes from Bradley Cooper’s movie Limitless at this location.
Earlier this month I wrote how Limitless is now becoming a TV show produced by Bradley Cooper. No word on if he’s going to film it here in Philadelphia. Anyway…

 Earlier this month I noticed they started to enclose part of their apron on the first floor, and the equivalent space on the 2nd floor.
2 weeks ago left side of building
Last Friday left side of building
Putting up the wall
 Last Friday, on the left side of the building they installed the glass wall. It looks great.


What a great idea, looks great. Another popular building did it last year.

Triple AAA had an extensive apron surrounding their building. At one point there were bushes planted in the front. In later years the “garden boxes” were filled in by stones.
Ironically Limiteless also filmed here.

While it underwent a renovation from office building to apartments, not only did they add several additional floors, but they enclosed “the apron area” to increase it’s retail space. Now there’s an expansive liquor/wine store on the first floor as well as a bank at the 2040 location.