You Could Snap Up This Midcentury Modern Relic in Philadelphia for $450K

Designed by Frank Weise, the 1951 Carner House features original Isamu Noguchi pendants and a collage of glass bands along the facade.

Text by

Kathryn M.

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A midcentury modern home by one of Philadelphia's most prolific architects was recently listed in the city's northwest neighborhood of Roxborough. Completed in 1951, the glass-and-concrete block structure was designed by Frank Weise, who spent his earlier years working at the local Philly firm of modernist legend Louis Kahn and studying under Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius at Harvard University.

Known as The Carner House, the white concrete block structure is quite a contrast from the rows of surrounding colonial-style homes. Columns of narrow glass bands—a signature Weise design element—break up the front facade.

Inside, the window design accentuates the entry and living room's 20-foot-high ceiling. A trio of signed Isamu Noguchi pendants hang over the multi-level space. — Inside, the window design accentuates the entry and living room's 20-foot-high ceiling. A trio of signed Isamu Noguchi pendants hang over the multi-level space.

Weise is known for many of his local projects, including the restoration of Head House Square in Society Hill, as well as leading an 60s-era advocacy group of local architects and citizens to persuade federal highway officials to run a portion of Interstate 95 below street level along the Delaware River waterfront. This particular residential project was one of several that Weise built in the areas outside of Philadelphia's city center.

A view from the entry landing shows the free-flowing living and dining area, which also features a large glass wall and sliding doors leading to the backyard.

Burlap wraps around stair treads leading down to the living area.

Another view of the living area shows the recessed area and fireplace. The current architect-owners covered some of the interior walls in cork tiles to add warmth to the cold masonry block and complement other natural materials throughout the home.

This particular three-bedroom, two-bath home offers nearly 1,800 square feet of living space and many original details, including a tiled bathroom in shades of baby blue. Featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer and selected for a regional home tour, this home is recognized as one of Philadelphia's best examples of midcentury-modern design. Keep scrolling to see more of the interior and backyard. The house is available for purchase for $450,000.