Northern Liberties steps it up

Buyers in the market for an $800,000 townhouse aren’t limited to Center City anymore. Orianna N.3, a new development in Northern Liberties, promises to rival Philly’s ritziest homes. “It’s a different level of luxury than has really been seen in Northern Liberties so far,” says Brigit Brust of City Space, broker for the property.

Orianna N.3 (it’s pronounced “N3” — the period is silent) is named for its location between Orianna and North Third streets, a few blocks above Spring Garden Street.

Five townhomes and 12 condos are being built by Masada Custom Builders. The townhomes are out of the ground and should be move-in ready by April or May, according to Brust. The condos will not be completed for another nine to 12 months.

Pricing for the townhomes ranges from $719,000 to $825,000. (For now, Brust is mum on pricing for the condos, which clock in between 1,200 and 1,600 square feet.)

With townhomes, buyers get more than 2,800 square feet, four bedrooms, three or four bathrooms, a balcony and off-street parking. The look is “contemporary, with open, spacious floorplans,” says Naomi Alter-Ohayon, who owns Masada Custom Builders with her husband, Isaac Ohayon.

“Everything is handcrafted,” says Alter-Ohayon. “The millwork is imported, the floors are hand-sanded. There’s a lot more workmanship — these are not your standard homes.”

“They’re an upgrade for the area. We’re hoping people will understand they’re buying good quality,” Isaac adds.

Orianna N.3 is not doing pre-sales, so how well homes at that price point will sell in this market remains to be seen. “That’s the big question,” Alter-Ohayon says. “But if you drive down Third, you see a lot of new homes in the higher bracket going up.”