The National Condominiums
112-30 N. 2nd St., 113-133 N. Bread St. Philadelphia, PA 19106
Snapshot
The National At a Glance
| FEATURE | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Year Constructed |
2006 |
| Residences |
152 |
| Parking | Deeded – Garage |
| Pets | Pet Friendly |
The National is a gated condominium community in the heart of Old City, offering a secure, well-lit parking garage, a landscaped private courtyard, and a tot-lot play area. The setting has a distinctly SoHo-like feel, with exceptional walkability to Old City’s boutiques, art galleries, coffee shops, restaurants, and historic attractions. The National is also pet-friendly, fitting naturally into one of Center City’s most walkable, pet-friendly neighborhoods.
Not All Buildings Are Alike: “The National isn’t one uniform condominium building. The residences on N. 2nd Street are fairly similar, while 113 N. Bread Street offers different layouts and a quieter setting. The townhomes at 131–133 N. Bread have an entirely different personality.”
Listings
A Few Interior Trade-Offs: “I’ve always liked the generous kitchens, bathrooms, and closet space at The National. However, some guest bedrooms are relatively small and lack direct natural sunlight. Buyers should examine individual layouts rather than relying solely on square footage.”
Outline
The National: Refined Loft Living in Philadelphia’s Historic Old City
I lived in Old City for over two decades and know the neighborhood like the back of my mind. The National presents a unique opportunity to reside in the heart of Old City, Philadelphia.
This collection of contemporary lofts and townhomes offers a sophisticated urban lifestyle within a historically rich setting.
Residential Features
- A diverse selection of loft and townhome floor plans
- High ceilings, exposed ductwork, and oversized windows create a modern industrial aesthetic
- Select residences offer private balconies with city and river views
- Generous closet space and open-concept layouts
Community Amenities
- Gated entrances and secure underground parking (available with select units)
- Landscaped courtyard
- Elevator access to all residences and garage parking
- Modest Monthly Condo Fees
Neighborhood Advantages
The National’s location offers unparalleled walkability to Old City’s vibrant cultural attractions:
- Art galleries, boutiques, and acclaimed dining establishments
- Historic landmarks and cobblestone streets
- Easy access to the Delaware River waterfront and public transportation
A Storied Past, a Modern Vision
Built on the site of a former restaurant supply company, The National reflects Old City’s revitalization and enduring appeal. The community seamlessly integrates contemporary design with the neighborhood’s industrial character.
Contact us to schedule a viewing and experience the distinct lifestyle offered at The National.
The Appeal of Bread Street: “I particularly like 113 N. Bread Street for its quiet, cobblestone setting and abundant natural light. Many residences have balconies, and some offer larger two-bedroom-plus-den or three-bedroom layouts that can be difficult to find elsewhere in Old City.”
Quick Sales Stats
- 2025: 8 Sales – Top price $625,000
- 2024: 8 Sales – Top price $1,095,000
- 2023: 5 Sales – Top price $650,000
- 2022: 10 Sales – Top price $1,040,000
- 2021: 16 Sales – Top price $895,000
- 2020: 11 Sales – Top price $712,900
- 2019: 13 Sales – Top price $510,000
- 2018: 12 Sales – Top price $645,000
- 2017: 12 Sales – Top price $645,000
My Take
I’ve always considered The National one of Old City’s more interesting condominium communities. What makes it unusual is the variety of residences spread across several buildings, each offering a somewhat different living experience. The contemporary interiors, generous kitchens, and private courtyard are attractive features, particularly in a neighborhood known for its historic architecture. The secure underground parking is another significant advantage in Old City. For buyers seeking a modern condominium in a historic Philadelphia neighborhood, The National deserves consideration. I particularly appreciate the range of floor plans, from conventional one-level condos to unconventional two-story townhomes. It’s a community where choosing the right building and layout can make all the difference.
Around 1998, when I lived in Old City- the night sky erupted one evening in a yellow and orange hue. A row of buildings had caught fire. What arose from the ashes is what we now know as the condos at the National. Many addresses here- 133 N. Bread St, 112 n. 2nd St. and 130 N. 2nd St. Select homes have underground parking spots. The condominium complex houses three high-rise buildings and some stacked townhouses. The townhouse-styled units are wide, spacious, and resell quickly. I appreciate the oversized windows and the generous closet space. The National does not have a pool or on-site gym (there is a gym located within the condominium complex, but it is not a part of the association). These condos sit within the “sweet spot” of Old City. My buyers LOVE the fact that the neighborhood has so much to offer in terms of walkability. Many upper-floor units in the high-rise condos at the National provide killer city or river views. Know that many homes have half-walls and don’t offer 100% privacy for the guest bedrooms- but I don’t think that plays into resale value. Most of the units are modeled in a “soft loft” style- some exposed brick, oversized windows, and high ceilings. I have sold a dozen units here- so if my clients are looking to speak with an owner in the building, I can likely make that happen.
Five Fast Facts about The National Condos at Old City:
1) Named for the old National Restaurant Supply Company, which once occupied the land, which burned
down in the 1990s.
2) Three buildings, plus townhouses occupy the premises
3) Parking here is underground and deeded, but not all condo owners own a parking spot
4) One of the few, True Gated Communities in Center City Philadelphia
5) In the right hands, these units can be hugely attractive.
The National Condos in Old City include the total renovation of one existing 4-story piece of real estate and the construction of five new Center City condominium buildings, some offering extraordinary luxury Penthouse suites ranging from 2,500 square feet or more, with breathtaking views of the city and the riverfront.
NOT SURE IF THE NATIONAL BELONGS ON YOUR SHORT LIST
…Tell me what matters most to you, and I’ll give you my take.
Recent Sales
Parking and Outdoor Space: “The National’s secure, well-lit underground garage and landscaped private courtyard are significant advantages in Old City. The gated setting offers a welcome separation from the surrounding neighborhood while keeping restaurants, galleries, and shops within easy walking distance.”
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Photos
Floorplans
The Townhomes Are Something Special: “The two-story townhomes at 131–133 N. Bread Street are unusually wide, with soaring ceilings, exposed mechanicals, and oversized windows. Their open living areas and separate bedroom levels make them especially appealing to buyers seeking something unconventional.”