Delancey Street- Historic Gem of Rittenhouse

Lined with elegant rowhouses and historic buildings, Delancey Street encapsulates the city's architectural heritage. Its tree-lined sidewalks and picturesque streetscape offer a glimpse into Philadelphia's past while also providing a backdrop for contemporary urban life.

History

Delancey Street has a rich history that dates back to the city's colonial era. Named after the prominent Delancey family of New York, the street was originally laid out as part of William Penn's city plan in the late 17th century. Over the centuries, it has evolved and played a role in the city's growth and development.

Architectural Significance

Delancey Street boasts a diverse architectural history that spans several centuries and reflects the evolution of the city's built environment. The street's architectural significance lies in its preservation of various styles and periods, offering a tangible glimpse into Philadelphia's past.

Colonial Era and Federal Style

Many of the rowhouses and buildings date back to the late 18th century and showcase the Federal architectural style. Characterized by symmetry, brick facades, and simple yet elegant ornamentation, these structures exemplify the refined tastes of Philadelphia's early urban residents.

Greek Revival and Victorian Influences

As the 19th century progressed, architectural trends shifted to embrace Greek Revival and Victorian influences. Some of the rowhouses on Delancey Street may exhibit elements of these styles, such as decorative cornices, intricate wrought ironwork, and ornate facades.

Adaptations for Urbanization

Delancey Street's architectural fabric adapted to the changing needs of an urbanizing city. Many buildings were repurposed and modified to accommodate evolving functions, such as the conversion of residences into commercial spaces and the construction of multi-use buildings that combined retail and residential spaces.

Preservation and Revitalization

In recent decades, preservation efforts have been instrumental in maintaining the architectural character of Delancey Street. Adaptive reuse projects have transformed former industrial spaces into modern lofts and offices while preserving the historical façades. This approach celebrates the street's past while meeting the demands of contemporary urban living.

The 2000 Block

Most Filmed Residential Block of Philadelphia

Strolling down the 2000 block of Delancey Street feels like entering the 19th Century or a movie set. These elegant homes, built by 1870, remain almost unchanged since their original construction. As a result, the block is the city's most filmed residential area, featured in six films and a TV show.

Trading places (1983)

A poor street hustler named Billy Rae Valentine (played by Eddie Murphy) trades places with the managing director of a brokerage firm, Louis Winthorpe III (played by Dan Aykroyd), who lives at 2014 Delancey Place. Jamie Lee Curtis plays Ophelia, a prostitute befriended by Winthorpe. In one scene, the Rolls-Royce carrying Billy Rae drives down the street, depicting the federal architecture (as seen from above) and pulls in front of the house.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

Bruce Willis plays a child psychologist, Malcolm Crowe, who was shot in his house, 2006 Delancey Place, by a former patient. In one scene, Malcolm stands in front of the old, federal houses with arched doorways on the street, at night.