The Plusses:

a) simply unbeatable Center City location. Everything you could possibly need is within walking distance. Everything.

b) inspired combination of well-maintained 1920s elegance in the lobby and public areas, combined with 21st century amenities in the apts

c) courteous, conscientious and competent management that takes tenant concerns seriously

d) freight elevator. Even the largest 2-b/r can be moved completely in one "lift"

e) restaurant, dry cleaners, mini-market, gym and medical offices on the premises

f) all this for a price below other full-service highrises

No place is without its flaws. Here are the Ben's:

a) NOISE I: there are two hospitals within two blocks. Sirens blare every few minutes, every day

b) NOISE II: the adjacent parking lot is always jammed with SUVs whose alarms go off as a result of the aforementioned sirens

c) NOISE III: many of the other tenants. The downside of reasonable rent is, you get lots of skanky GenXers, just a year or two out of school, who still think it?s Fraternity Row. Mgt does a decent job of corralling them, but one wonders why they rent to them in the first place

d) NOISE IV: the Ben maintains a mezzanine ballroom. During the holidays and prom/wedding season, the lobby and environs are overtaken by these affairs.

e) NOISE V: Philadelphia hasn?t re-zoned the Ben?s neighborhood since the ?50s. It?s "commercial" i/o residential, so the city occasionally jackhammers the street, beginning at 11:00p.

Two other notes:

*the Ben is all-electric; your utilities will average over $100/mo, even for a smaller 1-b/r

*they maintain a number of "corporate" suites, which are essentially extended-stay hotel rooms. You do not want to be near these; they're invariably populated by students, athletes or other transients who don't pay their own rent.

On the whole, and having rented 5 other places in Philadelphia over 20 years, I?d still give the Ben my full recommendation.

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