313 South 18th Street is set in one of Philadelphia’s primary urban squares neighborhoods, the historic Rittenhouse Square District. The project consists of transforming the existing building into flexible, innovative and environmentally responsible residential units, while preserving the historic character of the building. The challenge is to work within the existing historic shell and remodel the residences to ensure that they meet code health and safety requirements but are also attractive to live in. The intention is to emphasize the adaptive possibilities of the existing building by incorporating its character and qualities within a design that is technologically advanced and contemporary.