One of Philadelphia’s most storied historic buildings begins its next chapter – this time, as a place to call home. When you walk up to The Witherspoon at 130 S. Juniper Street in the heart of Center City, the building announces itself before you even reach the door. The sandstone façade rises eleven stories. Corinthian columns frame the entrance. Intricate terra cotta details and carved medallions run the length of the exterior – and behind all of it is more than a century of Philadelphia history. Now, Scully Company is proud to be managing The Witherspoon as it begins its newest chapter yet: a full-service residential apartment community in one of the city’s most exciting neighborhoods.

A Building with Philadelphia History

The Witherspoon Building was constructed in 1896 and designed by architect Joseph M. Huston for the Presbyterian Board of Publications and Sabbath School Work. Named after the Reverend John Witherspoon, the only Presbyterian minister to sign the Declaration of Independence, it served as the headquarters of several major Presbyterian organizations for over six decades. At eleven stories, it was once among Philadelphia’s tallest buildings, and its façade featured extraordinary artwork: Alexander Stirling Calder sculpted six nine-foot terra cotta statues of prominent Presbyterians above the main entrances, while Samuel Murray created ten Biblical prophets that ringed the eighth floor. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

After the Presbyterian organizations vacated through the 1960s and 70s, the building sat largely underutilized for decades until owner Transwestern partnered with a hospitality company in 2019 to transform it into 186 short- and long-term stay units. The renovation carefully preserved the historic masonry façade, terra cotta detailing, and the building’s signature oversized windows, while modernizing the interiors with lofted units and updated systems. When it opened in 2020, The Witherspoon became a sought-after extended-stay destination in Center City Philadelphia – earning recognition from ULI Philadelphia for its preservation-minded approach to adaptive reuse.

A New Direction: Residential Living with Transwestern and Scully Company

In November 2025, Transwestern made a decisive pivot. Rather than return to the short-term rental model, Transwestern chose to transition The Witherspoon into what it had never quite been before: a traditional residential apartment community with year-to-year leases. To bring that vision to life, Transwestern engaged Scully Company as the property management company for the building. The result is a living experience that is truly one of a kind in Philadelphia.

When Scully joined the project, the furniture from the previous business model needed to be removed. Scully Company’s Business Development Manager, Andrew Phillips, connected the Transwestern team with a non-profit called Good Haul – an organization that gives furniture and household items a second life, prioritizing donation and redistribution to community partners. Through this partnership, Transwestern and Scully Company were able to lean into our core value of Social Responsibility while making a fiscally sound business decision. The gently used furniture was donated to members of our community in need.

Renovations to The Witherspoon

When Scully Company joined The Witherspoon project, we worked with Transwestern to complete a major renovation that transformed the property and elevated the beautiful space. Together, our teams renovated every room throughout the community, replacing furniture, painting walls, and updating interiors. We also revitalized the common areas by adding stylish wallpaper and fully renovating shared spaces to create a more welcoming atmosphere. Before renovations began, extensive cleanup efforts were completed to prepare and restore the interior. Through these improvements, Scully Company and Transwestern helped breathe new life into The Witherspoon while creating a more comfortable and polished living environment for residents.

Life in Philadelphia at The Witherspoon Apartments

The Apartments

The Witherspoon offers apartments across a range of thoughtfully designed floor plans:

• Studio apartments – ideal for those who want streamlined city living
• One-bedroom apartments – the heart of the community
• Two-bedroom corner units – commanding sweeping Center City views

And the unit features live up to the building’s elevated reputation:

• Modern kitchens with stainless steel appliances – refrigerator, range, dishwasher, and microwave
• Quartz kitchen islands with an open layout that accommodates stools
• Tiled backsplash and chrome high-arc gooseneck faucets
• Pendant lighting in the kitchen
• Luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout
• Tall, oversized windows with stunning Center City views – a direct legacy of the building’s original design

Community Amenities

Beyond your front door, The Witherspoon offers everything you need to live well:

• 24/7 Concierge Service
• Fitness Center
• Lounge and Club Room
• Dedicated Work Spaces
• Community-Wide Wi-Fi
• Climate Control in each apartment
• Keyless Entry
• On-Site Management Team from Scully Company

A Walk Score of 100

The Witherspoon has a perfect walk score – and it earns it. Step outside and you’re in the middle of Midtown Village, one of Philadelphia’s most energetic and beloved neighborhoods. Within moments, you’ll find:

Dining: El Vez, Barbuzzo, Shake Shack, Sampan, Fogo de Chão, Federal Donuts, HipCityVeg

Shopping: The 1500 block of Walnut Street, Lululemon, The North Face, Apple, The Shops at Liberty Place

Culture & Arts: The Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, Merriam Theatre, The Wilma Theatre

Health & Wellness: SoulCycle, European Wax Center, The Drybar, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Pennsylvania Hospital

Transit: Direct access to the Broad Street Subway Line (Walnut-Locust Station), PATCO Lindenwold Line, Indego Bike Share, and SEPTA’s Regional Rail (Suburban or Jefferson Stations)

The Witherspoon Is Ready for You

This building has been an ornament to Philadelphia for nearly 130 years – as a church headquarters, as a cultural gathering place, and as a forward-thinking hospitality destination. Now, under Transwestern’s ownership and Scully Company’s management, it’s ready to be home.

Whether you’re drawn by the history, the location, the beautifully updated interiors, or simply the idea of living inside one of Philadelphia’s most architecturally significant buildings, The Witherspoon offers something that’s genuinely rare: a place where character and comfort are in equal measure.

Ready to see it for yourself? Schedule a personal tour on our website or call (267) 347-8560.

Created by Scully Company. Enhanced with AI, while maintaining Scully Company’s commitment to accuracy.

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