Set along the Delaware River on Philadelphia’s historic Old City waterfront, Pier 3 and Pier 5 offer a style of waterfront living unlike anywhere else in the city. Once part of Philadelphia’s working waterfront, these beautifully restored industrial structures have been transformed into distinctive residences where the legacy of the city’s industrial past, distinctive architecture, and riverfront living exist side by side. Today, residents enjoy the rare experience of living alongside a working marina, where the Delaware River is more than a scenic backdrop—it becomes part of the rhythm of everyday life, placing residents within the evolving story of Philadelphia’s historic waterfront.

Originally designed in the 1920s by Philadelphia City Architect John Penn Brock Sinkler as municipal cargo piers serving one of the nation’s busiest ports, Pier 3 and Pier 5 were thoughtfully reimagined in the 1980s by architect William Alesker through one of Philadelphia’s earliest adaptive reuse projects. One of the conversion’s defining architectural features was the replacement of the massive cargo shed roofs with soaring glass atriums, filling the beautifully landscaped interior courtyards with natural light while preserving the industrial character of the original structures. Following their successful conversion from industrial warehouses to residential apartments, Pier 5 was established as a condominium community in 1990, followed by Pier 3 in 1994. Today, Pier 3 and Pier 5 together encompass 268 condominium residences, each retaining the authentic industrial character of the original structures. Throughout the transformation, the industrial heritage of Philadelphia’s waterfront was carefully preserved, allowing its legacy to remain an integral part of everyday living.

Life at Pier 3 and Pier 5 is defined as much by the setting as the residences themselves. A 24-hour concierge, fitness center, secure parking, private outdoor spaces, bicycle storage, and professional on- site management provide everyday convenience, while the working marina, beautifully landscaped glass- enclosed courtyards, and the Delaware River waterfront become natural extensions of the community. Here, mornings begin with boats leaving the marina, evenings are accompanied by the lights of the Ben Franklin Bridge reflecting across the river, and the intimate scale of the community creates a residential setting that feels both timeless and uniquely Philadelphian.

Situated at 3 N. Columbus Boulevard and 7 N. Columbus Boulevard in Philadelphia’s historic Old City neighborhood, Pier 3 and Pier 5 place residents within walking distance of the city’s most treasured landmarks, celebrated restaurants, quaint art galleries, neighborhood cafés, and the lively Delaware River waterfront. Stroll to Race Street Pier, Cherry Street Pier, Penn’s Landing, Elfreth’s Alley, and Independence National Historical Park, or enjoy direct access to the Delaware River Trail, where miles of scenic waterfront pathways invite walking, running, and cycling along the river’s edge. At home, intimate views of the Ben Franklin Bridge, the working marina, and the Delaware River serve as constant reminders of the neighborhood’s enduring connection to Philadelphia’s waterfront heritage. Few places in Philadelphia offer the opportunity to become part of a community where history is not simply remembered but continues to be lived every day.