Society Hill

Society Hill

Type	Neighborhood
Location	Center City
ZIP code(s)	19106
Established	1682
Named for	Free Society of Traders
Boundaries	North: Walnut Street, South: Lombard Street, East: Front Street, West: 8th Street
Adjacent	Old City, Washington Square West, Queen Village
Major streets	2nd Street, 3rd Street, Pine Street, Spruce Street
Transit	SEPTA Bus Routes, walkable from Market-Frankford Line
Landmarks	Headhouse Square, Society Hill Towers, Physick House

Society Hill is a historic residential neighborhood in Center City, Philadelphia, known for its meticulously restored 18th-century Georgian and Federal architecture, cobblestone streets, and prestigious residential character. The neighborhood is named for the Free Society of Traders, a company of English investors granted land by William Penn in the 1680s. Society Hill is widely regarded as one of the most successful urban renewal projects in American history.

The neighborhood combines colonial charm with modern amenities, making it one of Philadelphia's most expensive and sought-after residential areas.

History

Colonial Era

The land was originally granted to the Free Society of Traders, a group of Quaker merchants who invested in William Penn's colony. Though the company failed by 1723, the name persisted.

Society Hill developed as a wealthy residential district in the 18th century. Many prominent colonial figures built homes here, and the neighborhood retains houses dating to the 1700s.

Decline

By the early 20th century, Society Hill had declined significantly. Many historic houses had been subdivided into apartments or converted to commercial use. The neighborhood became a mix of warehouses, factories, and deteriorating residential properties.

Urban Renewal

In the 1950s and 1960s, Philadelphia undertook one of America's most ambitious urban renewal projects in Society Hill:

• Substandard buildings demolished
• Historic houses restored
• New townhouses built in compatible styles
• Society Hill Towers constructed (I.M. Pei design)
• Infrastructure improvements

The project attracted middle-class families back to the city and established Society Hill as a national model for historic preservation combined with new development.

Architecture

Society Hill contains one of America's finest collections of 18th and 19th-century residential architecture:

Colonial Era (1700s)

• Georgian townhouses
• Brick construction with painted shutters
• Narrow footprints, multiple stories
• Interior courtyards and gardens

Federal Era (early 1800s)

• More refined classical details
• Larger windows
• Elegant doorways
• Marble stoops

Society Hill Towers

The Society Hill Towers (1964), designed by I.M. Pei, added three modernist high-rise apartment towers. Initially controversial, they are now recognized as significant modern architecture that coexists with the historic fabric.

Urban Renewal Townhouses

New townhouses built during urban renewal were designed to complement historic architecture:

• Similar scale and materials
• Contemporary interpretation of traditional forms
• Maintained streetscape continuity

Landmarks

Headhouse Square

Headhouse Square features a preserved market shed (1804-1805) and hosts:

• Outdoor markets (seasonal)
• Farmers market on Sundays
• Community events
• Restaurants with outdoor seating

Hill-Physick House

The Hill-Physick House (1786) is one of Philadelphia's finest Federal-era townhouses:

• Museum open to visitors
• Former home of Dr. Philip Syng Physick, "Father of American Surgery"
• Beautiful period gardens

Historic Churches

• St. Peter's Church (1761) - Episcopal, featuring enclosed pews
• Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church (1768)
• St. Mary's Church (1763) - Oldest Catholic church in Philadelphia

Three Bears Park

A small neighborhood park featuring sculpture of three bears, popular with children.

Living in Society Hill

Housing

• Historic townhouses (most common)
• Society Hill Towers apartments
• Some rowhouses from urban renewal era
• Among Philadelphia's highest housing prices

Demographics

• Affluent professionals
• Empty nesters
• Long-term residents
• Families in larger townhouses

Character

Society Hill offers:

• Quiet residential streets
• Exceptional architecture
• Walkability to Old City and Center City
• Strong neighborhood association
• Limited commercial intrusion
• High property values and taxes

Getting There

Walking

Society Hill is highly walkable:

• Old City (adjacent)
• Independence Hall (5 minute walk)
• Center City (10-15 minute walk)
• Penn's Landing (5 minute walk)

Public Transit

• Market-Frankford Line: 2nd Street Station (northern edge)
• SEPTA Bus Routes: 12, 40, 42, 57

Driving

• I-95 (Columbus Boulevard exit)
• Limited street parking
• Few garages in the neighborhood

Dining

Society Hill is primarily residential with limited restaurant options:

• City Tavern (in Old City, adjacent) - Colonial-era tavern
• Headhouse Square restaurants
• 2nd Street cafes and casual spots
• Most dining in adjacent Old City

Shopping

Limited commercial activity:

• Antique Row (Pine Street, adjacent to Washington Square West)
• Some specialty shops
• Most shopping in Old City or Washington Square West

See Also

• Old City
• Washington Square West
• Queen Village
• Independence National Historical Park
• Penn's Landing