The Touraine• Location: Philadelphia

• Architect: Frederick Webber

• Built: 1917

• Units: 131

• Notable: The 13-story structure was built as a grand hotel. In 1983, Philadelphia-based developer Historic Landmarks for Living acquired the property and spent $16 million to transform it into a luxury apartment building.
Elliot Kaufman The Touraine• Location: Philadelphia • Architect: Frederick Webber • Built: 1917 • Units: 131 • Notable: The 13-story structure was built as a grand hotel. In 1983, Philadelphia-based developer Historic Landmarks for Living acquired the property and spent $16 million to transform it into a luxury apartment building.

One of my favorite landmarks is The Touraine in Philadelphia. The building has great form. It engages the pedestrian from the very start, with its finer level of detail being revealed as one approaches. I love its limestone, Neoclassical design; the beautiful transition between the bustle of the street and the quiet sanctuary of the lobby provided by its unusual porte cochere; and the intricately-detailed street façade. Another great aspect of the building is its remarkable floor plan: The units open up to the outside with floor-to-ceiling glass forming French balconies at principal rooms, which was rather unusual for its time. David Ertz, principal and senior designer, Cope Linder Architects, Philadelphia

— David Ertz, principal and senior designer, Cope Linder Architects, Philadelphia