8 — September 2025 — Fall Preview — M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal
www.marej.com
A daptive R euse
By Stephen Pouppirt, Clemens Construction Company Redefining Market Street: Clemens Construction Leads the Way in Office-to-Residential Conversions
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that challenge for years. The recently completed transformation of 1701 Mar - ket Street—now reintroduced as 17 Market West—stands as a testament to Clemens’ lead - ership in this sector. Working with Alterra Property Group, Clemens successfully converted a 500,000 s/f, 18-story mid-cen - tury office building into a 299- unit luxury residential tower in the heart of Philadelphia’s Market West district. Originally built in 1957, the structure was reimagined while retaining the character of its In- diana limestone façade. Larger
operable windows were cut into the historic exterior, sup- ported by hundreds of custom steel brackets—a technically demanding process executed with precision and safety at the forefront. Perforated copper- colored screening at the podium levels, vertical façade columns, and a striking rooftop sky frame elevated the building’s presence while signaling its new residential identity. Inside, the building under- went a complete gut renovation. Floors six through eighteen now house thoughtfully de- signed one- and two-bedroom
apartments featuring large closets, hybrid work nooks, and high-end finishes. Resi - dents enjoy expansive city views and abundant natural light—benefits of floorplates that once posed a program- ming challenge but were re- configured into a market- ready strength. Amenities rival those of newly built luxury towers. The roof- top offers a saltwater infinity pool, cedar trellis seating areas, outdoor kitchen, and dog run. Indoor spaces include a fitness center, sauna, pickleball and basketball courts, golf simulator,
cross the Mid-Atlantic, developers are looking at aging office tow-
and club room. The welcoming lobby features custom white oak millwork, limestone tile, and finely crafted details that echo the elegance of train travel. Beyond finishes and ame - nities, the project’s success hinged on strategic construc- tion management. Demolition began in January 2024, and by May 2025 leasing had already started—months ahead of sub- stantial completion. By repur - posing major systems such as elevator cores, stairwells, and the central cooling tower, Cle - mens cut at least a year from the construction timeline and saved millions compared to ground-up development. This project also demon - strates Clemens’ commitment to sustainability. Reusing structural systems and mate- rials reduced embodied carbon, while operable windows and modern MEP upgrades im- prove energy efficiency. Direct connection to Philadelphia’s transit concourse makes car- free living convenient, further reinforcing the project’s urban sustainability goals. Complex projects like 17 Market West are never with- out challenges. Tight urban logistics, phased occupancy, and structural modifications required careful coordina - tion across trades. Clemens deployed swing scaffolds, con- struction hoists, BIM model - ing, and detailed sequencing to keep the project on schedule and safe. Weekly planning ses- sions and close collaboration with Alterra, the design team, and trade partners ensured alignment from start to finish. For Clemens Construction, the success of 17 Market West is part of a broader story. As office-to-residential conver- sions become a defining trend in urban real estate, Clemens’ unique experience—built over decades of complex renovations and adaptive reuse—makes the firm an ideal partner for devel - opers seeking to unlock value in underutilized office assets. From historic façade modifi - cations to modern amenity in- tegration, Clemens has proven its ability to turn vision into reality. For developers consider- ing conversions in Philadelphia and across the Mid-Atlantic, the message is clear: Clemens Construction is ready to deliver. Stephen Pouppirt is president of Clemens Construction Co. in Philadelphia, PA . MAREJ
ers through a new lens: as opportuni- ties to create much-need- ed residen- tial housing. Conversions of this scale demand a
Stephen Pouppirt
builder with deep expertise in adaptive reuse, technical problem-solving, and collabor- ative project delivery. Clemens Construction has been meeting
TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT Paul Horning Vice President Preconstruction
215-567-5757 x 246 | 215-510-4545 phorning@clemensconstruction.com
Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA since 1979, Clemens Construction is a full-service general and carpentry contractor specializing in high-quality logistically complex projects. Our diverse portfolio spans multifamily, hospitality, historic restoration, education, healthcare, life sciences, corporate, retail, and public sectors. We approach every project with the belief that every detail matters, every partnership deserves respect, and every job is an opportunity to build smarter, safer, and better for our clients and the communities we serve.
www.clemensconstruction.com · 215-567-5757 · 1435 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
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