TIMELESS TRANSFORMATION

A Frank Furness Townhouse Reimagined for Modern Living

Along the tree-lined expanse of Delancey Place, where Philadelphia’s architectural heritage stands in elegant rows of historic townhouses, a remarkable transformation has quietly taken place. Behind the meticulously preserved façade of an iconic Frank Furness-designed residence, a three-year collaboration between ASW Hobart Construction and architectural firm Kaminski + Pew has produced what might be the perfect marriage of historic preservation and contemporary living.

“There’s a moment when you step through the front door,” says Kevin Kaminski, “when you can’t immediately tell what’s original and what’s new. That seamless transition was exactly what we were aiming for.” This 4,500-square-foot Fitler Square townhouse, originally conceived by legendary Philadelphia architect Frank Furness, now serves as home to a young family of five without sacrificing an ounce of its historic character.

The Art of Invisible Renovation

While historical accuracy guided the structural work, practical considerations shaped the interior design. “We have two kids and a large dog,” laughs Alexis Pew. “So we’ve put our furniture through every test imaginable.” This perspective proved invaluable when selecting finishes and materials that would stand up to the realities of family life while maintaining the home’s elegant aesthetic.

The renovation team’s approach embraced this duality throughout the home. In the kitchen, state-of-the-art appliances are concealed behind cabinetry designed to complement the home’s historical details. Bathrooms feature heated floors and rainfall showers hidden within spaces that respectfully echo the home’s Victorian origins.

Architectural Poetry in Light and Space

Perhaps nowhere is the success of this renovation more evident than in what has become the home’s signature space: a bay-window nook transformed into a sun-drenched dining area. Here, ASW Hobart’s technical expertise in historical restoration meets Kaminski + Pew’s vision for contemporary living.

Original leaded glass windows were painstakingly restored by specialized craftspeople, while the room’s proportions were subtly adjusted to create a more inviting gathering space. Overhead, a contemporary lighting fixture hangs from a medallion recreated from fragments of the original plasterwork—a perfect metaphor for the entire project’s balance of old and new.

The Invisible Systems

What visitors don’t see is perhaps even more impressive than what they do. “Twenty-first century homes require systems that simply didn’t exist when this townhouse was built,” notes Richardson. “The challenge was integrating them without compromising the historical integrity of the spaces.”

Working within the constraints of historically protected walls and ceilings, ASW Hobart’s team designed and installed climate control, smart home technology, and energy-efficient systems that operate seamlessly and invisibly. Period-appropriate radiator covers conceal modern heating elements. Light switches and thermostats are tucked discreetly away.

A Streetscape Preserved

From the street, the home appears virtually unchanged—exactly as Philadelphia’s Historical Commission requires. ASW Hobart’s façade restoration experts worked with historical consultants to ensure that every brick, window frame, and decorative element was either preserved or authentically recreated.

“The street presence was critical,” says Kaminski. “These townhouses create a continuous historic streetscape that’s part of Philadelphia’s architectural heritage. Our work needed to be invisible from the outside, preserving that public experience while transforming the private one.”

Collaboration as Cornerstone

Both design firm and construction company agree that the project’s success stemmed from their collaborative approach. “Historic renovation at this level requires constant communication,” explains Richardson. “We weren’t just executing a design—we were problem-solving together daily as the house revealed its secrets.”

This partnership extended to the homeowners as well, who remained actively involved throughout the three-year process. “They understood what they were undertaking,” says Pew. “Their commitment to doing this renovation the right way, with no shortcuts, made all the difference.”

The Future of Historic Homes

As cities like Philadelphia experience renewed interest in urban living, projects like this Delancey Place renovation demonstrate how historic preservation and contemporary life can coexist beautifully. “These homes were built to last centuries,” observes Richardson. “Our job is to ensure they remain relevant and livable for the next hundred years.”

The collaboration between ASW Hobart Construction and Kaminski + Pew has created more than just a beautifully renovated home. It stands as proof that with the right expertise, vision, and craftsmanship, our architectural heritage need not be sacrificed for modern comfort—and modern living can be enriched by historical context.

As the sun sets on Delancey Place, light spills from the restored windows of this Frank Furness townhouse. Inside, a family goes about their evening in spaces that have witnessed over a century of Philadelphia history, now ready for a new chapter. It’s exactly what both Frank Furness and the current renovation team would have wanted: architecture that serves the needs of its time while honoring the beauty of its origins.