2841 cambridge st

**cvo** · 04-02-2012, 04:09 PM

we went to an open house at 2841 CAMBRIDGE ST yesterday. it was a very nice rehab - modern style with some higher end finishings. however, it kind of sticks out in terms of style and definitely the asking price was high for the neighborhood.

anyone know how this place came about? i suppose it was done by some developer? it's a bit random as this seems to be the only rehab of its kind in the area.

here is the listing:
2841 CAMBRIDGE ST, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19130 | MLS#(5976144)

**dcss1205** · 04-02-2012, 05:13 PM

Those are questions best answered directly by the agent, who is bound to tell you the truth, rather than a second hand , hearsay you-heard-it-on-the-web answer.

I am sure that if you called back, sounded like an interested buyer, the would tell you. Then your report to us would be complete.

**ThirdWay** · 04-02-2012, 07:23 PM

Great concept, poor execution. For $430,000, I was unimpressed with the build quality and the materials, such as the Ikea cabinets or the rooftop deck finish. Small details, such as the screws holding the railings, were off centered and looked like they were installed without regard. I would expect this on a house that was flipped overnight, not the most expensive house in the neighborhood. Perhaps the builder spent all their money on the NSX in the garage. That being said, the layout is unique and really great for a rowhome in Philly, I just wish that the finished product was more polished.

**cvo** · 04-03-2012, 08:49 AM

guess I have a general mistrust of realtors and want to hear what neighbors thought. he was telling me that the market is doing great and that houses are selling in days - blah blah blah. perhaps it is true but i find that unlikely. i had a great first impression of the place and liked the layout/design etc but after a while, i started to notice little things that were off as well. like the screws, or how the shower and some sprinklers were not installed properly (holes still in the wall). like how the pp had said, the work was done like a typical house to be flipped with the exception that the person put some serious thought into the design and even the finishings. that's what confuses me. if this person is indeed a developer, i would like to see his other work. anyway, i am happy to see people taking risks and build something modern in our part of town and hope whoever ends up with the place is happy.

**Naveen** · 04-03-2012, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by cvo

guess I have a general mistrust of realtors and want to hear what neighbors thought. he was telling me that the market is doing great and that houses are selling in days - blah blah blah. perhaps it is true but i find that unlikely.

The seller's agent shouldn't have anything to hide in terms of who built it. As to selling in days, it could be true, but I doubt it considering this market. I bought recently and everything was sitting around forever (months and months). Only one house sold quickly, in a matter of a couple of weeks.

But...28xx block of Cambridge may "officially" be Brewerytown, but isn't it more unofficially still Fairmount/Art Museum? From what I know of the area it doesn't flip until the north side of Girard.

**rocknroller** · 04-03-2012, 03:29 PM

I checked it out too. I like the overall design of the place, but the work does seem shoddy. One thing that really struck me was the drainage in the outdoor areas. Coming off of the roof deck, water was pooled at the bottom of the stairs. Considering it hasn't rained that much, and water was still sitting, I can see this being a problem. This wasn't a rehab, it's a new build(one that took almost 3yrs!).

**RonMcNasty** · 04-03-2012, 05:50 PM

As I wrote in a different thread, I know a guy who bought a very high end new construction in fairmount/francisville, only to have serious, serious issues with leaking which resulted in massive mold. The corrective actions took a year, and over 100k in costs. I believe he's in a legal suit with the builder. I don't know the name of the builder, but just know there are some really bad ones out there. Do your homework, and look for reviews. The house he bought was more $ than this property.

**zengirl** · 04-24-2012, 02:39 PM

I really like the look of the house as a fan of modern, but I was more worried about the the street level glass doors downstairs, and a balcony upstairs. It doesn't seem smart from a security standpoint for a city dwelling. I'm still curious about the design as it looks like one of the architects that has done a few homes in Northern Liberties.