The historical Harbisons Dairy factory complex is considered an icon of Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood, whose residents have special affection for its larger-than-life milk bottle water tower. The original 1895 structure was erected by Robert J. Harbison to serve the growing retail milk and dairy business founded by his father in 1865. The company expanded the complex over the next 20 years, and it eventually housed state-of-the-art processing facilities as well as the horses and wagons used to deliver milk shipped in bulk from the surrounding farms to individual city residents at their homes. In an effort to best preserve the historic fabric of the building, SgRA restored the facade and designed a 2-story overbuild to create additional space for loft style apartments without unduly impacting the building’s character. The Preservation Alliance Award-winning renovation was completed in summer 2021 as the first residents began to occupy the 86 apartments, a strength training gym opened, the cafe started serving coffee and hosting community events, and a growing local marketing firm set up shop in the oldest portion of the building.
Interior Design by Rohe Creative. Amenity photos by Jason Varney, courtesy of Rohe Creative.
Lighting Design by BEAM LTD.