URBAN CONVERSIONS
Alon restores historic buildings so people can live inside them. And work. And talk to ghosts.
(Legally, there are no ghosts.)
He’s the mastermind Founder and CVO (Chief Visionary Officer) of Urban Conversions, a Philadelphia-based boutique real estate company that fancies itself as the savior of 100-year-old buildings in up-and-coming neighborhoods. Instead of letting these architectural relics bite the dust, his team swoops in and transforms old factories, churches, and warehouses into swanky luxury apartments with vibrant modern spaces and impeccable interior design. He does it because sometimes it bears reminding that none of stories are truly ever finished being told.
Again, Legal keeps vehemently reminding us to reiterate that “there are no ghosts.”
Urban Conversions blends old and new. Think of them as the CPR for architecture. They turn historic buildings into stylish lofts with modern twists. Picture 50 to 150 luxury lofts with soaring ceilings, exposed brick, and original hardwood floors flaunting their vintage charm. Naturally, these apartments come packed with amenities: parking garages, gyms, clubhouses, garden plots, and dog parks — Alon insists on catering to fellow dog lovers. And don't forget the mixed-use flair, with trendy retail spots and a flood of tech offices to keep things cutting edge.
Homeworx is their exclusive co-working space brand, available only to their residents, because nothing says exclusive like keeping the riffraff out. They provide high-speed internet, ergonomic chairs, and an ambiance that screams, "I’ve got this," even if the residents really don’t.
Designed to boost productivity while making residents feel like they’ve finally got their lives together. Say goodbye to battling for a table at the local coffee shop or dealing with spotty Wi-Fi. It’s a kick ass community for startup entrepreneurs and remote workers to connect and pretend to work together.
Urban Conversions collaborates with a nonprofit called “Mural Arts”, transforming rundown walls into public art. Because nothing solves urban decay quite like a splash of paint and some feel-good vibes. Think public murals that make you feel like you’re living in an outdoor gallery—because why should art be confined to stuffy museums?
Inc Magazine’s Inc 5000 named Urban Conversions one of the fastest-growing companies in the US, and they've racked up numerous awards for historic preservation. Apparently, turning old buildings into luxury pads is a big deal. Who knew?
While others might see an old crumbling building a teardown, they see a canvas brimming with potential. Where others see rubble, they see a goldmine. The development company’s slogan is "You can't buy happiness, …but you can rent it!" because nothing says joy like monthly payments.
They even build these luxury spots themselves, thanks to their own construction company, cheekily named “Under Construction.” Their slogan? “Perhaps you’ve seen our signs?”
Every project they touch becomes the hottest address in town. So, if living in chic, history-infused spaces is your thing, welcome to the revolution.
If you’re not impressed yet, wait until you see what they do next.
Want the Inside Scoop Under Construction? Peek at the 'Under Construction' tab for all the dirt (and some concrete too).
Witness the magic in these project photos… where Alon's team transforms ideas into Instagram-worthy masterpieces! And this is just a taste - you can check out more on the urbanconversions.com website.
The Huntingdon
From Grit to Glam What happens when Urban Conversions meets Jake Roller Development? An old warehouse at 1807 E. Huntingdon Street transforms into a mixed-use marvel. With 99 new apartments, 38,000 square feet of industrial space, and a rooftop deck, this East Kensington gem is about to go from drab to fab. We’re keeping the old brick charm while adding a modern touch.
This adaptive reuse includes a two-story addition and a new structure, with industrial spaces encouraging local entrepreneurship. The nearby old bank is being revamped into a catering facility, adding more flavor to the mix. From an industrial eyesore to an urban oasis, this under-construction beauty proves that with a little creativity, any space can shine.
Yarn Factory Lofts
From Spools to Splendor
This Manayunk factory spun yarns for years before we spun it into 50 loft-style apartments. Now it’s 50 loft apartments that are more about style than sweat.
With its expansive spaces and industrial charm, it’s now the place to be for those who appreciate a good story and even better design. We turned spools into splendor, and it’s nothing short of fabulous.
Ever wonder what happens when you mix exposed brick, wood beams, and massive factory windows with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops? Pure magic. Each loft offers original hardwood or polished concrete floors, in-unit washers and dryers, and soaring ceilings.But wait, there’s more! Yarn Factory Lofts has a private dog park for your furry friends, communal garden plots for your green thumb, and grilling stations for your inner BBQ master. Fancy some art? Enjoy the custom murals and installations from local artists.
The Glassworks
From Dust to Dazzle
This former factory got a facelift and now boasts 103 Class A multifamily units. It’s the epitome of old meets new, where historic charm rubs shoulders with modern amenities. Think of it as the Benjamin Button of buildings—only it gets better with age. With 103 units, it combines the best of historic and modern living. It’s the perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary comfort. Tired of pretending your kitchen table is an office? Enter Homeworx, their fancy co-working space. Now you can look professional without the hassle of commuting—or putting on real pants. Forget the daily quest for a parking spot. With their private parking garage, your car gets a VIP pass, and you get a life. Step onto their amazing community balcony. It’s the perfect spot to sip coffee, enjoy cocktails, or pretend you’re on a never-ending vacation. You might even fool yourself into thinking you’re in a luxury resort—minus the awkward small talk with strangers.
Sanctuary Lofts
From Holy to Hip
This 1889 church was losing faith fast, so we resurrected it into 30 loft-style apartments. Located in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood, it's now the divine spot for those who want to pray for good Wi-Fi instead of salvation. We kept the soul but added all the modern amenities you can thank us for. This old church was ready for a retirement home, but we gave it a second coming as 30 loft-style apartments. Now, it's less “Hail Mary” and more “Hail the Wi-Fi.” Graduate Hospital has never seen anything quite like it. Once echoing with hymns, this 1889 church now hums with the sound of modern living. We swapped out the pews for plush loft apartments and kept the holy spirit alive with some divine design.
Paper Factory Lofts
From Paper Cuts to Penthouse Living
This five-story industrial building used to churn out paper and tears. Now, it's home to 30 modern loft apartments in South Kensington. We turned the dust and rust into award-winning luxury because everyone deserves a bit of loft love. Forget factory workers; this place is all about the stylish set now. What once was a gritty paper factory is now 30 modern loft apartments. In South Kensington, we swapped paper cuts for posh living spaces. It’s the kind of place where industrial chic isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lifestyle. This old papermill was more about cuts and bruises than comfort. Now, it's 30 loft apartments where industrial meets modern. South Kensington’s newest hot spot went from grinding gears to gracing design magazines.
The Bentley:
From Stuffy to Stunning
Urban Conversions worked their magic on The Bentley, a 17-story high-rise at 1701 Rittenhouse Square, transforming 60 drab units into chic, luxurious apartments. Out with the old and stuffy, in with the sleek and chic. Picture trading your dated, musty decor for modern elegance—now that’s a glow-up.
The Bentley is now the talk of the town, making high-rise living as glamorous as it gets. Gone are the days of beige walls and boring interiors; this building is now a high-rise haven where history meets high fashion. It's the ultimate makeover, turning "meh" into marvelous and making it the epitome of urban luxury.
And did we mention the amenities? There's a gym that'll make you want to break a sweat, doormen who greet you like royalty, and two penthouses so cool they practically come with their own fan club. The Bentley isn’t just living; it’s living it up.
Water Works
From Flushed to Fabulous
The Water Works project in Manayunk is the ultimate glow-up story. Urban Conversions took an old plumbing fixture distribution warehouse—complete with a mural of a toilet and a tree sprouting from the middle—and turned it into trendy office space with killer waterfront views. They kept the gritty charm (minus the tree) but added enough polish to make it shine. Its where industrial history meets modern luxury, proving that even the most flushed-out buildings can become the hottest new addresses. This transformation turned a rundown warehouse into a radiant office haven, mixing past and present perfectly. Its less tetanus shot, more corner office with a view, turning a derelict space into a commercial gem.
1028 North 3rd Street
From Pews to Prosecco
Turning a former church into a trendy office space? Why not! Urban Conversions took this Northern Liberties gem and converted it from a place of worship into a workplace wonder. With 15,399 square feet of creativity-inducing space, it’s perfect for those who appreciate a touch of divine inspiration while they work. It's less “Hail Mary” and more “Hail the Wi-Fi.” This adaptive reuse project has turned pews into desks and hymns into hustle. From sacred sermons to corporate conferences, 1028 North 3rd Street blends historical charm with modern amenities, proving that even an old church can become a vibrant office space.
Note that this was Urban Conversions' old corporate office, and Alon lived upstairs in a massive loft. He has added a touch of humor with a wooden phone booth that you have to answer to get into a secret balcony, and a full-size movie theater upstairs because, after all, Alon is a total film buff.
709 N. 2nd Street
From Dusty Relic to Hipster Headquarters
What do you get when you take an old furniture factory and sprinkle some Urban Conversions magic on it? A 25,000-square-foot creative office space that hipsters and techies are drooling over. We threw in a fourth story and rooftop decks because why not? This Northern Liberties gem went from antique clutter central to the chicest workspace in town.
Once home to more dusty relics than a grandma's attic, it’s now the office space every startup dreams of. It went from ‘meh’ to ‘marvelous’ in no time. Picture this: an old furniture factory teeming with dust bunnies and forgotten antiques. Now, imagine it as a swanky creative office space with rooftop decks and a fourth story. Thanks to Urban Conversions, this Northern Liberties spot is now the place to be for anyone who’s anyone.
Glass garage doors, first-floor retail, and rooftop fun? Oh yes! We’ve got all the ingredients for the ultimate hipster hangout. Whether you’re brainstorming the next big app or just sipping artisanal coffee, this place has got you covered.
Iron Mill Lofts
From Iron to Iconic
In the heart of Northern Liberties, this historic factory was more of a tetanus risk than a trendy residence. Where others saw a scrap heap, we saw potential and transformed it into 12 bi-level, three-bedroom apartments. Now, it's the go-to spot for those who want to live large without compromising on style.
This rust bucket was a redemption story waiting to happen. We turned it into apartments that scream sophistication. It's gone from "industrial waste" to "industrial chic" in a jaw-dropping transformation.
Once an iron factory, this property is now a set of high-end apartments. We took it from rust to ritzy with renovations that cater to those with a taste for the finer things. It's the ultimate industrial makeover, turning a decaying relic into a stylish haven.
PROJECTS
