We moved in 8 weeks ago and love the place. What stands out the most is the front desk staff, very friendly and professional. In the early morning, we notice that the sidewalk and front entranceway are hosed down and the outside plants watered, giving the place a clean sparkling curb appearance. The lobby is very well appointed with original woodwork, always fresh cut flower arrangements, plush upholstered lounge chairs, Queen Anne coffee tables, and the morning papers. Live potted plants, original framed artwork, and tapestries are throughout the lobby and first floor hall as well. There is 24/7 security at the front desk and an antique, remote operated gate leading into the common hallway. The Sir Francis Drake common room for the residents is like stepping into King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table - authentic wood trim, beautiful mahogony panelling, original oak bar, wooden cherry game tables, deep cushioned sofas, library bookcases filled with books and reading materials, and it's wireless. Four elevators are available including a service one and there seems to be very little waiting. Each elevator has an embossed resident announcement case with invitations to catered resident get-togethers and a feedback survery board. The laundry room is well equipped and also has a flat panel tv and lounge. The fitness room on the 2nd floor is also well equipped and rather inviting with lots of ventilation. All floors have direct access to two common balconies overlooking the cityscape to the south and west, very beautiful open views. Hallways are wallpapered, long and narrow with a hotel feel. Each unit has a brass door knocker with eye viewer. The units themselves are clean and bright! Our apartment has an archway entrance, wall-to-wall thick carpet, original woodwork and trim, virtually soundproof plaster walls, great water pressure for showers, original leaded multi-pane windows with a great view, in-wall AC, and wood encased radiators. The halls and even the elevators have AC with very good ventilation. Overall we are impressed with the Drake and love the welcoming feel when we come home from work. I mean everyone says hello and smiles. Seems like a happy family of people, many young professionals, and well-dressed residents. The neighborhood is wonderful with a residential, tree-lined look and feel, Spruce St food market across the street, a dry cleaners, parking garage, the Kimmel Center for the Arts, and sidewalk cafes. We haven't had a problem finding on-street parking but it's all meters (8am-6:30pm or 8pm except Sunday) and meter maids are everywhere it seems. So, it's only been our first two months here and I have tried to give an accurate account of our experience. We looked at many places in center city before walking into the Drake and we very much enjoy it.

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 06/12/2009
It seems like this review was written by a staff member or an employee. You forgot the rats, cockroaches, and elevators that often break down.
From: Anonymous	Date: 08/15/2009
Regarding the elevators.....you are very lucky if you haven't experienced delays. There are frequent delays if not elevators that do not work. Regarding the hallways.....obviously there is a hotel feel. This building originated as a hotel. Yes the neighborhood and lobby area is great. But you're not living on the streets of the neighborhood nor are you living in the lobby.

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