Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2025-12-05 - 

Concrete is proud to contribute to Urby’s continued expansion across the United States with the opening of Fishtown Urby in Philadelphia, a project that redefines urban living in one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. The building blends historical context with contemporary architecture, combining functionality, community-focused spaces, and a unique artistic identity. This project demonstrates Urby’s commitment to creating inspiring urban living environments across the United States, of which Concrete Amsterdam has been part of since its inception in 2010.

Architecture positioned in urban context 

Urby Fishtown at 1700 North Front Street is redefining urban living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. The building is designed as a five-story brick structure that reflects the local historical context, characterized by large warehouses and small brick townhouses. The building stands as a monolithic brick mass, but upon closer look, it reveals its intricate details. Strategically placed cut-outs slice into the brick exterior, revealing contrasting materials and colors that bring the structure to life. These cut-outs do more than break down the building’s scale, they introduce warmth, light, and dynamic texture to its form.

The building’s traditional brickwork, paired with large dark-gray windows, allows it to blend seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood. Window proportions are carefully considered to maximize the flood of natural light to flow through the residences while maintaining privacy and soundproofing from the street and elevated train. Wrapped continuously around the building, the windows echo the rhythmic characteristic patterns of industrial architecture. The varied transom height is thoughtfully designed to align with the interior layout: lower transoms ensure privacy in bedrooms, while higher ones open up expansive views from the living rooms, balancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Inside, the apartments carry Urby’s signature design philosophy. Smart and efficient layouts create homes that feel larger than their footprint. With open flows, balanced proportions, and thoughtful details, every unit maximizes comfort and functionality, offering a modern and surprisingly spacious living experience.

"Every architectural detail is designed to enhance daily living, from the robust brick envelope to the smartly positioned transom windows that balance privacy with daylight," says Erikjan Vermeulen, Concrete Amsterdam. "It's about creating spaces that are not only beautiful, but genuinely functional for urban life."

Opening up to the street 

Along North Front Street, the building opens up to a welcoming courtyard that flows naturally into the street, creating a lively main residential entrance. Belgian landscape architect Bas Smets designed the courtyard, filled with lush greenery and an open view of the sky, offering a refreshing escape from the energy of the street below the elevated train. A warm green stucco wraps the space, blending the architecture with the lush planting and creating a calm, intimate atmosphere and an inviting setting for the café terrace designed by Shawn Hausman Design.

On the opposite side, along Hope Street, a second courtyard brings light and air to the narrower streetscape, complementing the small-scale character of the area. Also designed by Bas Smets, this courtyard brings together abundant planting with communal features, including BBQ stations and a dog park, creating a welcoming environment that serves the residents and fosters a sense of community. Here, a blue stucco finish subtly echoes the color of the elevated train’s steel structure.

Retail spaces activate nearly every corner of the building, ensuring a lively ground-level experience. Above, a communal terrace on the fifth floor, designed by Eliane Le Roux, offers residents sweeping views across Philadelphia. These views can also be admired from the speakeasy, with interior design by Yuria Kailich, which offers another unexpected hideaway within the building.

Art infused living 

Along Cecil B. Moore Avenue, the upper floors appear to be sliced away, creating a large façade that serves as a canvas for street art, a nod to one of Fishtown’s most defining cultural signatures. Integrating art is a defining element of Urby in its buildings. For Fishtown Urby, Concrete collaborated with Street Art Today and renowned Dutch tattoo artist Henk Schiffmacher. The resulting artwork transformed the building’s facade into a vibrant, artistic canvas, infusing the community with a distinctive touch of Dutch blue and creative flair, while reflecting Fishtown's unique history and spirit.