26 UNIVERSITY MEWS Philadelphia, PA 19104

Philadelphia Inquirer Architecture Critic Inga Saffron wrote in 2017 about the Mews mix of modernist architecture and quaint, brick-lined walkways. She added that the Mews is a charming, tucked-away community and a fascinating, early example of architects efforts to redefine what an urban rowhouse could be, noting that the project was featured in a 1964 issue of Progressive Architecture devoted to The New Row House. Built in 1962 at the corner of 45th & Spruce Sts, the award-winning complex predates condominiums; instead, the common areas (the U-shaped brick drive and a brick center courtyard) are shared via easements.

On the south side of the Mews, sun-filled #26 retains its classic features and split-level style while benefitting from many system replacements and upgrades. The garage is at entry level, with an extra parking space out front. Down half a flight of stairs is a semi-finished room for use as a work-at-home office, study or play space, plus a half bath, laundry & mechanicals. Or head up half a flight to the 1.5-story high living room, with a wood-burning fireplace and sliding doors leading to the landscaped brick patio. Another short flight takes you to the open plan dining room and updated kitchen, overlooking the living room below. The top floor holds a spacious main bedroom and remodeled bath. Plus, theres a second bedroom which has 2 closets and 2 sets of windows, and could perhaps be split into 2 smaller bedrooms, a configuration which many of the Mews houses have.

The location is in the heart of the Spruce Hill neighborhood of University City/West Philly, close to several bus routes leading to the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, and center city just beyond. The Mews is in the catchment area for the popular Penn Alexander public K-8 grade school, though catchment area location doesnt guarantee admission. Don Barriga Mexican restaurant is at the corner; Knockbox Caf is in the next block, and Local 44 is one block east on Spruce St. Baltimore Avenue, the neighborhoods main street, is 3 blocks south, with additional restaurants, shops, and the #34 trolley line.