Photos: The Irvine is Online and Renting in West Philly

August 14, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

The Post Brothers‘ new luxurious living quarters is open and accepting tenants now. The Irvine Apartments, in a century-old former warehousing facility at 780 South 52nd Street near the Baltimore Avenue corridor.

According to a Globe Street article “This isn’t one of your cookie-cutter, ground-up luxury high-rise buildings. The Irvine has history and roots in industrial Philly. Our mission was to honor its history and character while creating an elevated, yet practical living experience,” says Michael Pestronk, CEO and co-founder of Post Brothers. “We’re keeping in line with the ever-growing cultural renaissance of West Philly, where we’re seeing an influx of new residents who really care about health, sustainability, and the concept of community, so we wanted to create an experience that echoes those values.”

I was there earlier this month for an open house. I met a lot of the new tenants including these three young ladies posing here with mom (2nd from left). In 2017, the Post Brothers paid $2.4 million for the 115,835-square-foot building which had been a storage facility and then sat vacant for more than 10 years. There will now 150 households at this spot.

Neon is prominent through out the building as it is here in the community room. Also on each floor when you get off the elevator their is a neon sign with the floor number illuminated.

The property includes a variety of both indoor and outdoor amenities, including:

A fitness center equipped with top-of-the-line cardio and exercise equipment such as Peloton bikes, Precor treadmills, stair-masters, HIIT options, and a variety of selectorized, plate-loaded and free weight stations.
A community garden where residents can plant and grow their own flora and produce
Fully-equipped outdoor kitchen with grills, dining tables and lounge areas
A K9 turf lawn and pet park
A co-working space that features a large open area with ample seating, natural sunlight and custom artwork
Concierge services including dry cleaning, package storage and online services

– They have lockers where you put your clothes and **Tide** Cleaners will pick up your clothes for dry cleaning and **laundry service** from the makers of **Tide** detergent. What a great idea.

2 Bedroom
1 Bedroom
Kitchen
Looking West Studio
Looking East Same Studio

The windows let a lot of light in making the living space bright and spacious. They must have knocked out a lot of walls to create these windows since it was a storage facility. The official word: The interiors include roller shades for apartment windows and customizable mill work for closets, along with full-size stainless steel appliances, antimicrobial quartz countertops, and tile backsplash in the kitchen.

Bathrooms feature matte black fixtures, artisanal tile surface, glass shower doors, rain-style shower heads and high-pressure body jets.

The Dog Run and they have a beautiful parking lot as well.

“The building was originally designed for storage,” says Post Brothers Asset Manager Josh Guelbart. “And then it sat vacant for 15 years, and people started painting really cool graffiti” on its walls. (Philly Mag Article)

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650 Park Avenue, King of Prussia – A Demo Party

August 6, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Work has begun on a joint project with Brandywine Realty Trust and Coscia Moos Architecture at 650 Park Avenue . A few weeks ago the two companies held a “Demolition Party” to kick off the re development of the building, with plans to build a state of the art office complex in place of the outdated, decades old building.

Current 650 Park
Future 650 Park

The current building is 3 stories, a bit dated and not wired for today’s modern technology. Whereas in 16 months the new four-story, 100,000 square-foot workplace structure will have the much desired amenities which companies desire and need to operate in modern times.

**Jerry Sweeney,** President/CEO, Brandywine Realty Trust greeted guests to the “Demolition Party” exuding the virtues of the new building, which include open-air amenity spaces, communal work environments, a building meeting room which can be rented for $250 daily, and a fourth-floor terrace designed for classes, lunch meetings and evening gatherings.

illustrations by Brandywine Realty Trust

Rep. Tim Briggs speaks at 650 Park press conference.

A guest throws a rock threw the window of 650 Park Avenue.
A guest throws an ax at a target during Demolition Party (Bury The Hatchet)

Guests enjoyed a continental breakfast, DJ music and a chance to take a whack at the old building via sledgehammers, rocks and even throwing an ax, mostly at a target but there was a few that went astray.

Check out additional photos on Philly Style, and CBSPhilly. And an in-depth article at Philly Voice

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Roman Square Town Homes Only 3 Left – UPDATE 2 LEFT 8/16/19

August 3, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

In close proximity to the Passyunk Ave corridor bustling with a plethora of restaurants, nightlife, coffee shops, gym, shopping and Columbus Square Park, a new townhouse project, Roman Square, was built. Located on the southwest corner of 11th and McKean Streets, Roman Square is a community featuring only eight exclusive town home residences with garage parking for one or two cars. Buyers are able to chose from several different floor plans featuring 3 or 4 bedrooms by acclaimed architects, Canno Design.

The town-homes feature 10 ft ceilings and oversized Pella Windows allowing maximum flow of natural light throughout the living room, dining room and kitchen. Each unit features a gourmet kitchen equipped with every modern amenity including French door refrigerator, 5 burner gas range, eat in, dishwasher, canopy hood and slide out microwave, all clad in stainless steel. Additional features include hardwood flooring and recessed LED lighting throughout all living areas and bedrooms, quartz countertops and more .

There’s a 10-year tax abatement and one year builder warranty included for added piece of mind. A superb walk score of 96, bike score of 78 & transit score of 79 providing easy access to the Broad St line and other public transport. Contact

**An expansive 280 sq ft roof deck with amazing views tops off this quality filled home.**
Check out additional info on this article published by The Passyunk Post, and then contact the Listing Agent **Maria Quattrone**
RE/MAX @ HOME – Philadelphia
Office Ph: (215) 607-3535
Ph: (215) 607-3535

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Sofitel en Blanc Offering Another Opportunity to attend Diner en Blanc Philly

August 1, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Diner en Blanc, the most desired dinner party to attend says 6,000 people. All the RSVP’s are in, and you haven’t received yours. There is another way to get in and you don’t have to carry your table, food or schlep through subways (although I always have fun doing that as well.)

Once again this year, Sofitel Hotels & Resorts is partnering with Dîner en Blanc International to bring a new level of luxury to this iconic occasion. Guests in 6 North American cities will be able to claim a highly coveted ticket to Le Dîner en Blanc and skip the carrying of tables, chairs and dinnerware – to seek out the extraordinary, an exclusive dining experience fashioned by Sofitel and inspired by the elegance and sophistication of high French culture, right in the heart of Dîner en Blanc. Places are extremely limited. To learn more, visit www.sofitelenblanc.com.

Experience the new French art de vivre. Experience Sofitel en Blanc.

Exclusive Sofitel en Blanc Package includes:

Highly Coveted Ticket to Le Dîner en Blanc
Welcome Champagne Toast at Sofitel
Luxury Transport to Preferred Meeting Spot
Elegant Tablescape at Le Dîner en Blanc (Pre-Set; No Carrying Required)
Gourmet Menu Curated by one of Sofitel’s Premiere Chefs
Selections of Fine Wines
An Evening of Revelry & Dancing

Pricing is $600.00 per pair**.

Learn more about our partnership with Dîner en Blanc International, click here.

** Sofitel en Blanc All-Inclusive Passes have a maximum capacity of 50 pairs for the Philadelphia event. Sofitel en Blanc Passes are non-refundable and based on per pair pricing of $600.00 USD ($300.00 USD per guest). For complete terms and conditions, click here.

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Dîner en Blanc Wants You

June 20, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Many of us are counting down the days til the 8th annual Dîner en Blanc, which rolls around every August.

Last week the folks at Dîner en Blanc held their annual sponsor party at the Bourse Food Hall in Old City. Unlike the main event in August, the preview party is open to all without registration. It’s a great way to be introduced to all that is fun and stylish of the summer white party, although I did meet a lot of people who have already been to one, to all of the parties.

Julia Morales, Steven Humes, Amy Needle, Vanyah Harrigan, Amber Hikes and Miguel Martinez-Valle at Le Dîner en Blanc Preview Party at The Bourse Food Hall on Tuesday, June 11.

The highlight of the evening were the 9 tables on display and decorated by Dîner en Blanc table captains. The table decorating contest theme was “Philadelphia’s Festivals and Outdoor Celebrations.” A panel of judges chose the best decorated table, and guests at the party chose the “People’s Choice.”

4th of July Pops
Opera Philly on the Mall
Wawa Welcome America
People’s Choice: Roots Picnic and by Sharon Johnson, a DEB volunteer since we started in 2012! This table even had Questlove’s Cheesesteaks and Questlove Popcorn Seasoning she purchased at Williams-Sonoma.

Judge’s Choice: Bastille Day at Eastern State by **Danielle Milbourne** This table was fabulous- complete with Tastykake Krimpets (a nod to the tradition of throwing them during the event) and Marie Antoinette’s head rotating on a cake stand! It was fantastic!!

East Passyunk Car Show which is coming up July 28

The Diner en Blanc after party will be at the Sofitel Hotel this year.

Miguel Martinez-Valle, Emmanuel Capó, Syrmarie Villalobos and Alondra Anaya– Comcast/NBC10/Telemundo team.

Event date is Thursday, Aug 22^nd (4^th Thursday instead of the usually 3^rd Thursday)
Number of Guests – 6,000 making us the largest Diner en Blanc in United States. REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW, they’re accepting 500 new guests this year.
At the event they gave away 8 free registrations for this year’s event through drawings that encouraged participants to purchase from the Bourse Food Hall vendors and raffle ticket purchases that benefited Broad Street Ministry raising $1,000 for Broad Street Ministry through the raffle. This is the second year in a row we are supporting Broad Street Ministry through raffles and auctions that will continue through registration and the actual event.
At the the May Franklin Square Gala, two seats for Diner en Blanc were auctioned off and received over $5,000, with funds going towards the mission of Franklin Square Gala.
A DEB team also volunteered earlier this month at Broad Street Ministry for their Breaking Bread lunch service.

**Natanya Dibona**, co hostess for Diner en Blanc (with Kayli Moran ) and Hadas Kuznits, KYW1060

A First-Timer’s Guide to Dîner en Blanc

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CCP Black & Gold Gala at Vie

June 19, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

On June 12, 2019, Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) will host its annual Black & Gold Gala to recognize the outstanding service of local individuals and organizations that demonstrate involvement in community growth in the areas of education, business, social services and health.

The cocktail party took place in the beautiful courtyard adjacent to Vie

The gala took place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Vie, located on 600 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Event proceeds benefit the 50th Anniversary Promise Scholarship, which has provided more than 700 high school graduates across the city with the opportunity to pursue an associate degree at CCP at no cost for tuition and fees.

**Joann Gonzalez-Generals** and Community College of Philadelphia President and CEO, **Dr. Donald Guy Generals** pose together during the VIP Reception.

Raytheon Company former Chief Diversity Officer Hayward Bell received the Alumni Achievement Award for being an industry leader and innovator in the practice of diversity and inclusion at the corporate level. Here he is with his family.

Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) President and CEO Julie Coker Graham, Philadelphia Eagle Malcolm Jenkins and Mayor James F. Kenney pose together during the VIP Reception.

Following VIP Reception, Community College of Philadelphia’s Black & Gold Gala attendees begin transitioning into the main ballroom for dinner.

6abc News Anchor **Rick Williams** makes opening remarks to kick off the Black & Gold Gala.

Philadelphia Eagle Malcolm Jenkins, safety and team captain, co-founder of the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation and the Players Coalition, will receive the Community Hero Award for his service to the community to advance issues such as education and economic advancement in low income communities, criminal justice reform, police community relations, and for his service to Community College of Philadelphia as a member of the College’s Foundation Board.

VEP Experience performs in the Vie ballroom in front of more than 500 attendees at Community College of Philadelphia’s Black & Gold Gala. (Photos and copy provided by “Community College of Philadelphia.”)

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The Hole At Broad & Spruce Will Soon Look Like This

June 18, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

In a ceremony at the Kimmel Center Tuesday, Carl Dranoff revealed what he called “the crowning achievement of my career,” a 47-story, 528-foot condo tower called Arthaus at Broad and Spruce streets along the famed Avenue of the Arts and at the former spot where for years the Philadelphia International Record stood until a fire destroyed the building nearly a decade ago.

Designed by firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the 47-story condominium tower will have 108 condominiums priced from $2M to $10M, all of which will have floor-to-ceiling windows with at least one corner for panoramic views.

Arthaus is purposely set back from the corner, Carl told me, so the residents will have unobstructed views on all floors. According to the design company KPF, “With a design inspired by its context, the massing of the Arthaus tower is modulated into four rectangular volumes. Each of these bundled rectangles rises to a different height, creating a distinctive tower top. The stepped, interlocking boxes also provide large outdoor terraces. The tower wall of Arthaus features a vertical expression balanced by horizontal terraces at each corner, which offer sweeping views of Philadelphia from the Delaware River to the Schuylkill River.

At the base of Arthaus, brick and terra cotta feature walls along Broad and Spruce Streets relate to the material language of the neighborhood, while the tower’s high-performing glass facade is detailed with white aluminum mullions that add texture and variety. ” (KFC) – I also love how the drop off driveway leading to the front door is internal, and not just a curb cut out.

The balconies at Arthaus are 16 x 8 feet and are contained within the footprint of the building, so it won’t be as windy **Carl Dranoff** told me.

The building’s outdoor spaces will feature a year-round rooftop greenhouse, individual planting beds, a reflecting pool, lawn, and sun deck. Additional amenities include a 75-foot indoor lap pool and state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the Kimmel Center, a tranquil library, board room, club room, dining salon, café with demonstration kitchen and kids’ playroom.

This is the graphic depicting the greenhouse and reflecting pool.

Council members **Allan Domb, Mark Squilla, Mayor Jim Kenney,** former governor of Pennsylvania, **Edward G. Rendell** KPF Founder and Chairman **Eugene Kohn** and **Carl Dranoff**, Dranoff Properties were on hand for the groundbreaking.

Which took place on the site, after the press conference with officials at the Kimmel Center.

The Honorable Marjorie O. Rendell (who along with former Gov. Ed Rendell, were instrumental in creating and organizing the Avenue of the Arts, **Linda Knox,** Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty, and **Melanie Stecura**, Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty.

**Dianne L. Semingson,** Board Chair of the Avenue of the Arts and **Diane Bryant.**

I can’t wait to see Arthaus complete in a couple years, and to have more life on South Broad Street. Check out additional photos of who was there on CBSPhilly and PhillyStyle Magazine

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Nuisance 7-11 Closes; 6ABC Wedding, Jillian and Jessica Out and About, Best People Watching

June 2, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Relax it’s only Sunday, but if you’re looking for something to do I have a suggestion the annual La Festa Street Festival on East Passyunk from 11am to 7pm. I’ll be shooting the event between 1PM and 330PM, you can find me at the spaghetti eating contest at 3PM. Bon Appétit!!

There’s one less place to grab a slurpee this summer as the packed, but often troubled 7-11 store across from Love Park has closed. Super convenient for grab and go items, especially since the closest Wawa can’t be found for blocks. It’s actually perfect for a Wawa since they already handle massive crowds at their Broad and Walnut, and 20th and Market Stores. If you need your Slurpee fix, especially on 7/11 Slurpee Day, when they give away free Slurpee’s, you can find one at 1319 Market Street, or 1835 Arch Street. Customers can stop into their local 7-Eleven between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. local time to receive a small Slurpee for free.

Congrats are in order for 6ABC producer Jessica Gonzalez who married the love of her life yesterday Andrew H, in Montauk, New York, her happy place. Many of her co-workers went to the chapel including **Brian & Mara Taff**, **Alicia Vitarelli,** **Sharrie Williams, Matt Pellman**, as well as a few alumni’s **Kenneth Moton**, who is now a correspondent for ABC News and **Shirleen Allicot** who now co-anchors Eyewitness News This Morning and Eyewitness News at Noon in ABC7 in NYC.

Last night I did a radio segment for Style Club Radio, 1210 WHPT at 11pm, with Josh DeMarco is Philadelphia’s NEW on-air hub/mecca of style and fashion and co-hosted by Creative Director and Fashion designer **Steveala Sanche**z, and **Michelle Miller**. Then we all headed to Stratus Lounge to catch Quest Love spin at the Roots Picnic After Party. It was a no cell phones, social media party but I was able to get this one shot at a point where everyone seemed to whip out their phones to capture the legend behind the turntable. Quest Love will be spinning once again tonight, at an all age party on the Moshulu at 6PM. Tickets are only $15. This time they’ll be securing your phone in a sealed envelope. Just don’t open it on deck. (Info)

Congrats to Pearl Properties their news place , The Harper, is 100 Percent Leased on opening day June 1.

Two beautiful reporters walk into a bar, well in this case a popular restaurant Double Knot. **Jessica Boyington** grabbed dinner with former co-worker **Jillian Mele** on Friday night at the Center City hot spot. The two former traffic gals from NBC10 had a lot of catching up to do now that Jessica has popped up as a general entertainment reporter at 6ABC. Jillian is now on Fox & Friends in NYC, on an early morning shift, so both noted in their social media posts how unusual it was for Jillian to be noshing on a Friday night. Last week 007 **Pierce Brosnan** was in town, well he flew into town, drove to Dickinson University to give the Commencement Speech then grabbed dinner at Estia Taverna in Radnor, before running into real estate celebrity to the stars – Melissa Leonard at PHL as they were both flying out.

Last night I spotted **Harvey Welker, Julie Welker, a Fairmount real estate agent** and most notably known as NBC News correspondent **Kristen Welker** ‘s parents at **Capital Grille** in Center City. Mike and I were there celebrating **Stacy Kracher’s** birthday, and the impending birth of her and **Brandon Morrison’**s baby due 7/20. Their sidewalk cafe is now open.

Guaranteed to put a smile on your face, a stop by Dilworth Park. The water park was packed yesterday with kids cooling off, parents chatting with friends, and folks just enjoying the day. Every day there’s something going on at the park, located on the west side of City Hall. Check their website for info.

Another great place to people watch, Fairmount Park. I caught this mama groundhog sunning on a sign. Nearby were her cute babies. It was adorable. I recently aquired a new lens 150mm to 600mm to further expand my bird watching captures. So it was fun to see this yesterday on my way to photograph the **13th Annual Independence Dragon Boat Regatta**. Check out the photos here on CBS3Philly, as well as many other parties I photographed this week.
Have a great day!!

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Vine Street Imports Celebrates a Milestone

May 30, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Yesterday we chatted about Spanish Olives, and today we’re talking about wine.

Vine Street Imports celebrated their 20th anniversary at the Met Philadelphia on May 15, hosting a tasting event for friends, family and customers.

We set out about 20 years ago to really change the way wine packaging is viewed,” said Vine Street Imports CEO Ronnie Sanders. “Vine Street Importssees wine as a lifestyle, and we strive for our labeling to be provocative and edgy; something that will pique our customers’ interest and lead them to something special inside the bottle. Sanders explained that the company often tries to tell a story through its packaging, usually about the winemaker. (source)

Bob Mazurkiewicz, Vision Wines, Martin Von Ellen, Bayway World Liquor, and Ben Caldwell, Somos Wine at the Vine Street Imports 20th anniversary party at The Met Philadelphia, on May 15, 2019.
Henry Laithwaite, of Harrow & Hope, Greg Levine and Jeremy Levine at the Vine Street Imports 20th anniversary party at The Met Philadelphia, on May 15, 2019.
Mick Craven, Nick Pizzonia, and Victoria Matveev at the Vine Street Imports 20th anniversary party at The Met Philadelphia, on May 15, 2019.
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Vine Street Imports is a Mount Laurel, N.J.-based, family-owned wine importer and distributor. They pride themselves on telling a story through its packaging, usually about the winemaker, according to CEO Ronnie Sanders and sister Lori Sunders with Aaron Meeker of Vine Street Imports at the Vine Street Imports 20th anniversary party at The Met Philadelphia, on May 15, 2019.

Adam Schmidt, President & Founder of The Drink Nation, Nina Starner, Drink Philly, Arlyn Petersohn and Stephen Yaeger, restarurant consultant at the Vine Street Imports 20th anniversary party at The Met Philadelphia, on May 15, 2019.

Check out Social Media posts from the special day here

After the daylong tasting celebration Vine St Imports family and friends enjoyed a night at Zahav restaurant for a first class dining and spirited event. Check out more photos at Philly Style Magazine for photos from the night.

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Have an Olive Day With Chef José Andrés

May 29, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Philadelphia hosted a delectable event on May 15^th, “Have an Olive Day,” featuring the prestigious Spanish chef José Andrés,

Chef Andrés has been twice named by TIME Magazine as one of its 100 Most Influential people. In its final year, this initiative is promoted by Olives from Spain, with the financial support of the European Union.

95 percent of the pimento-stuffed olives consumed in the United States come from Spain

As part of the Olives From Spain “Have an Olive Day” campaign, Andrés last week turned the The Versailles Residences roof deck and private resident space, at 16^th and Locust Street in Center City into a delicious olive field with dozens of varieties, including Hojiblanca, Queen and Manzanilla, as part of his ambassadorship introducing Spanish olives to the United States.

“Have an Olive Day” campaign invited guests and journalists to know more about their varieties, versatility and benefits. The promotional program developed by the European Union and the Spanish olives sector, is the leading producer and exporter of table olives in America.

**Syrmarie Villalobos,** Telemundo 62 and **chef José Andrés**

Spain is the world leader in production and export of table olives, representing 21 percent of world production and 30 percent of world exports. The United States imports more than 155 million pounds of European olives every year.

Chef Martinez helped guests taste and discover olives, a basic ingredient in the Mediterranean diet.

Popular at the party was the Olives from Spain Philly cheese-steak

For recipe inspiration and more information on the rich history of olives, please visit www.haveanoliveday.eu or follow the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest at @haveanoliveday – Thanks to Andre Flewellen for photographing this for HughE Dillon LLC/PhillyChitChat.

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Photos: The Irvine is Online and Renting in West Philly

650 Park Avenue, King of Prussia – A Demo Party

Roman Square Town Homes Only 3 Left – UPDATE 2 LEFT 8/16/19

Sofitel en Blanc Offering Another Opportunity to attend Diner en Blanc Philly

Dîner en Blanc Wants You

CCP Black & Gold Gala at Vie

The Hole At Broad & Spruce Will Soon Look Like This

Nuisance 7-11 Closes; 6ABC Wedding, Jillian and Jessica Out and About, Best People Watching

Vine Street Imports Celebrates a Milestone

Have an Olive Day With Chef José Andrés

About Philly Chit Chat

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