Lancaster Lofts

A ten-sided lot shaped like a comic-book speech bubble set the stage for a building defined by its angles. At the intersection of three major streets, where cyclists, cars, buses, and trolleys converge across from the historic West Philadelphia Title and Trust building, the surrounding context called for more than a simple response.

The design embraces the irregular site with a sculpted form, pushing and pulling the building at different angles and levels. Balconies and bay windows vary in shape and height, creating rhythm across the façade. A deep fourth-floor setback provides private roof decks, while street-level brick carries forward the neighborhood’s architectural tradition. White fiber-cement panels and brown siding balance the remaining elevations, bringing the varied forms into a cohesive composition.