The Kennedy House
1901 John F. Kennedy Blvd. Philadelphia, PA 19103
Snapshot
The Kennedy House At a Glance
| FEATURE | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Year Built |
1968 |
| Residences |
552 |
| Parking | On-site Rental |
| Pets | Cat Friendly |
Discover the allure of 1901 John F Kennedy Boulevard, a well-managed cooperative building nestled in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia. With its prime location, extensive amenities, and strong sense of community, this iconic address offers an exceptional urban living experience. Step outside your door and find yourself surrounded by world-class museums, theaters, restaurants, and shopping.
Listings
Outline
Kennedy House Co-op ~ 1901 JFK Boulevard
Kennedy House at 1901 John F. Kennedy Boulevard is one of Center City Philadelphia’s largest cooperative buildings, with more than 550 residences. Built in 1968, it occupies a convenient location between the Rittenhouse Square area and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, with Suburban Station, restaurants, shopping and much of Center City within easy walking distance.
The Building & Amenities
One of the things that distinguishes Kennedy House is the amount of building amenities and services included for residents. The standout is the rooftop swimming pool and deck, which offers expansive views across Center City.
Other amenities include an on-site parking garage, fitness center, activity and meeting rooms, 24-hour lobby attendants, and on-site management and maintenance. The building also has an active residential community with a variety of clubs and organized activities.
The Residences
Kennedy House offers a wide range of floor plans, and many residences have private terraces—a feature that can make a significant difference in both desirability and value. Larger residences exceeding roughly 1,300 square feet tend to be combined units rather than original floor plans.
As with many buildings of this age, interior condition varies considerably from one residence to another. Buyers will find everything from units retaining older finishes to extensively renovated homes.
Understanding the Kennedy House Co-op
Kennedy House is a cooperative, not a condominium, so buyers purchase shares in the cooperative corporation along with the right to occupy a particular residence rather than receiving a deed to an individual condo.
The monthly co-op fee is unusually comprehensive and includes real estate taxes, utilities, basic cable and use of the rooftop pool, among other building expenses. There is an additional annual charge for use of the fitness center.
The ownership structure also creates some important differences at settlement. There is no real estate transfer tax and traditional title insurance is not required. Buyers should also be aware of the building’s 25% down-payment requirement and an administrative fee due at settlement.
What Buyers Should Know
Kennedy House appeals to buyers who want a central Center City location, substantial building services and predictable monthly expenses. The rooftop pool, garage parking, private terraces in many units and inclusive monthly fee are significant selling points.
The building permits up to two cats but does not allow dogs. For buyers considering Kennedy House, I think it’s particularly important to compare individual units carefully. Floor plan, terrace, exposure, condition and whether a residence has been combined can make two units in the same building very different propositions.
Kennedy House Building Layout
Quick Sales Stats
2025: 21 Sales – Top Price $803,5000
2024: 36 Sales – Top Price $540,000
2023: 32 Sales – Top Price $840,000
2022: 32 Sales – Top Price $485,000
2021: 21 Sales – Top Price $900,000
2020: 19 Sales – Top Price $618,300
2019: 24 Sales – Top Price $570,000
*Detailed sales data for every condo at The Kennedy House is available upon request.
Two Cents
The Kennedy House is a little different from buying a typical Center City condo, and buyers need to understand that before making an offer. Because it is a co-op, you’re purchasing shares in the cooperative rather than an individual condominium. The buying process is also more restrictive. Kennedy House requires a minimum 25% down payment, a credit score of at least 700, documented income on the buyer’s tax returns, and approval by the Co-op Board. The building also uses its own Agreement of Sale, and buyers who need financing must obtain their mortgage through an approved lender, such as Firstrust Bank.
Buyers should also budget for a one-time administrative charge of $20 per square foot at settlement. On a 1,000-square-foot residence, that’s an additional $20,000, so it’s something I make sure buyers understand when comparing Kennedy House with similarly priced condos. On the plus side, the monthly co-op fee covers considerably more than a typical condo fee, including real estate taxes, electricity, heat, air conditioning, water and basic cable, along with building services and amenities. I think Kennedy House can represent an interesting value for the right buyer, but you really can’t compare the asking price or monthly fee directly with a condominium without understanding what is, and isn’t, included. That’s where the numbers need a little interpretation.
Recent Sales
Similar Condos
Buyers considering The Kennedy House often also explore buildings such as:
Photos
Floorplans
