Keystone Property Group Selects JLL to Lease The Curtis, a Historic Site with Creative Office Space

PHILADELPHIA – Feb 26, 2019 – JLL has been selected to serve as the leasing agent for The Curtis, a historic and dynamic building that totals 813,128 square feet, on behalf of Keystone Property Group. The leasing team includes JLL Managing Director Mitchell Marcus, Vice President Anthony LiVecchi and Senior Associate Ashley Parrillo. 

The Curtis encompasses the entire blockfront along Walnut Street from 6^th to 7^th Streets in Philadelphia, Pa. It was built in 1891 as the headquarters for Curtis Publishing, and has now become the place where culture and creativity intersect. The historically significant architectural and design elements include the “Dream Garden” mosaic mural, created in a collaboration between Maxfield Parrish and glass master Louis Comfort Tiffany in 1916, and an iconic soaring 12-story Constellation Atrium. Renowned American artist Norman Rockwell worked in The Curtis to create iconic illustrations for The Saturday Evening Post. Today, the space is still used by creative minds and companies.

The Curtis is distinctive in that it has two adjacent parks and offers views of Washington Square, the Philadelphia skyline and Independence Hall. The office space offers vaulted ceilings ranging from 13 to 17 feet and an atrium flooded with natural light.

“The Curtis was far ahead of its time, especially considering it is a historic building,” said Marcus. “The blend of natural and industrial elements such as exposed bricks and beams are highly sought-after creative design features for today’s top work environments. Its full floors include 66,000 square feet available, ideal for tenants seeking open plans that will enhance employee productivity and collaboration.”

With its prime location in Market East, the lifestyle offerings such as newly constructed Lyndon at The Curtis residences, P.J. Clarke’s Restaurant and Bar, and Cooperage Whiskey and Wine Bar are ideal for tenants seeking to attract Philadelphia’s top talent. Keystone has made significant investment into the asset and plans to to add more retailers and amenties, including a ground floor, state-of-the-art Amenity Center.

“Renowned companies such as Macquarie, Five Below, Nelson Architects and Philadelphia Magazine have chosen Market East for their headquarters,” said Livecchi. “This district provides unique proximity to some of the city’s top restaurants and amenities with unparalleled access to major highways and public transportation.”

“For the first time ever, rents in Market East are rising faster than Market West as the area becomes the ideal locale for the live-work-play lifestyle,” said Parrillo. “The Curtis’ prime location and amazing space makes it a place that employees will look forward to seeing every day, even beyond the traditional nine to five.”