To Keep the Value In – You Gotta’ Keep the Noise Out!

A Guide for Philly’s Newest Urbanites

Moving from the quiet, tree-lined cul-de-sacs of the suburbs to the vibrant heart of Philadelphia is an exhilarating transition. Whether you are eyeing a luxury condo near the University of Pennsylvania or a sleek loft steps from Jefferson Hospital, the draw is undeniable: world-class dining, culture, and walkability are right at your doorstep. However, for many empty nesters making this move, there is one “welcome to the city” gift they aren’t prepared for—the noise.

Selling Philadelphia condominiums and lofts presents a unique challenge that you won’t find in a remote mountain cabin or a quiet suburban subdivision. In the city, “atmosphere” often comes with the hum of I-95, the chirp of crosswalk signals, and the sirens of our world-class medical districts. I know this firsthand. I live in a low-rise Philadelphia loft that sits a mere 30 feet from the elevated highway. When I first bought my unit, I knew that the dull, constant drone of traffic could be a major hurdle if I ever decided to sell.

The problem for many condo owners is a legal one: you don’t own your facade. In most Center City buildings—especially those near Washington Square or University City—the exterior of the building is a “common element” managed by the HOA. Furthermore, if you live in a historic district, the Philadelphia Historical Commission dictates exactly what your windows must look like. You cannot simply swap out the building’s face for industrial-grade soundproofing without a legal headache.

Fortunately, we devised a “cool” solution that works like a gem and costs a fraction of your property’s value. The secret isn’t what you do to the outside; it’s what you do to the inside.

We had to find windows that would be approved by our historic association.  So, we chose windows which are insulated with two panes of glass.  No big inventive solution there.  Then we added a double paned, inexpensive vinyl clad INSIDE the outer set of historically approved windows.

Living in downtown Philadelphia, we have a fairly strong historic association who mandates the type of window replacement we must use.  However, this does not preclude us from installing another set of windows INSIDE the historical set.

So, here we have FOUR panes of glass between us and the highway.  Two historically correct on the outside and two inside.  This four paned window system eliminates all highway noise… it’s really amazing.

And this ingenious little set up demonstrates how you can effectively keep all city noise out of your Philadelphia condominium or loft.

You don’t need to live 30 feet from the highway or live in a super luxury condo building to benefit from this idea.  Philadelphia condominiums that sit on busy corners, or just busy streets, can benefit by spending a few extra dollars per window to give you the sound insulation you need. Such insulation also provides extra protection from cold, heat loss, and dirt that gets inside of other single-paned windows!

If you’re thinking of selling your Center City condominium and want more tips on how to enhance its value, I can help.  Give me a call today at 215-521-1523 or drop me an email at mark@centercity.com.

Mark Wade
www.CenterCityCondos.com
BHHS Fox and Roach REALTORS®
530 Walnut St. # 480 Philadelphia, PA 19106