Stephen Starr buys $3.5M home near Philadelphia Museum of Art
By Kennedy Rose – Reporter, Philadelphia Business Journal
Restaurateur Stephen Starr has purchased a 34-foot wide townhouse near the Philadelphia Museum of Art for $3.495 million.
The hospitality heavyweight behind the namesake Starr Restaurants bought the home in April, according to property records. The house, built in 2016, has five bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms in over 6,400 square feet of space.
Starr could not be reached for comment. His restaurant group owns more than a dozen concepts in Philadelphia, including Buddakan, El Vez, Parc, and Butcher & Singer. Starr is also involved in the new Bankroll restaurant and entertainment venue project proposed for the historic Boyd Theatre on Chestnut Street.
The modern home is outfitted with wood and steel accents, with large windows to let in plenty of light. It has soaring 12-foot ceilings and white oak hardwood floors. The main living area opens up to a terrace, which leads down to a private backyard and patio that includes an irrigation system and outdoor sound system.
The master suite has custom-built closets and its own balcony. The primary bathroom has dual sinks, a shower and a soaking tub. Down the hall, a large room with a Juliet balcony can serve as an office, den or library. A guest bedroom can also be found on the second floor.
The third floor has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, along with closet space and a large space for children to play or for gatherings. The fourth level is a rooftop deck with views of the Art Museum, Barnes Foundation and Center City skyline.
Listing agent Bruno Pouget of Astoban Realty Group described the housing market in the Fairmount and Art Museum area as feverish in the last several months. Astoban has done a number of sales in the neighborhood, with some homes sold in off-market deals, and the realty group has a few more lined up.
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One home on the 2100 block of Green Street was put on the market last Friday, and by Saturday there were five offers on the table, he said. The property sold for 10% over the asking price of $1.195 million.
“I think Fairmount is not stopping there,” Pouget said. “There’s definitely going to be more and more.”
Starr’s new abode had four bids entered, Pouget said. The house has seven years left on its tax abatement.
The Fairmount neighborhood's popularity stems from its proximity to cultural attractions, the Schuylkill River, and having a quieter and more bucolic atmosphere while still being close to Center City. Proximity to the Divine Lorraine and The Met are driving people to the neighborhood, as well. Fairmount also has larger homes, which have been popular lately, he said.
Take a look at the photo gallery above to see some of the interior features of Starr’s new home.
