Connie and Louie’s story began three years ago when Louie emailed fellow Wills Eye Hospital ophthalmology residents seeking apartment recommendations as he planned his move to Philadelphia for residency. Connie happened to be a current resident at Wills Eye and was first to respond to his email. She shared how much she loved living in a studio apartment at The Franklin Residences. Louie trusted her recommendation and soon moved into The Franklin Residences in a one-bedroom apartment.
Both Philadelphia transplants, Connie and Louie both made their decision to live at The Franklin Residences without ever stepping foot in the iconic building before their move-in day. “The team showed me an apartment, the amazing lobby, and the restaurants right inside [via a FaceTime tour],” says Connie. “I was instantly sold. It had everything I was looking for and beyond!”
The Franklin Residences’ convenient location was a huge selling point for the busy medical residents who love soaking in the city in their downtime. “When you’re on call, especially at night, it’s super convenient to only have to walk around the block to any of the buildings,” says Louie.
“It’s really close to Independence Hall, Chinatown, 13th Street, Rittenhouse, Terminal Market, and South Street,” adds Connie. “Being in Center City, everything is convenient and walkable.”
After Louie moved into The Franklin Residences, he and Connie became fast friends. They co-hosted holiday parties and get-togethers in their respective apartments for fellow residents.
“Our apartments were great hang-out spots for our friends because of the central location and we could always grab wine and cheese from DiBruno Bros. on the way home,” says Connie. “I love to cook and would frequently accidentally cook too much food as an excuse to invite Louie over.”
Over time, the friendship developed into more and Connie moved into Louie’s apartment. “We found ourselves bouncing between both apartments so much that it felt like we already lived together,” says Connie.
After long shifts in the ER or clinic, the couple looks forward to coming home to a friendly face at the 24-hour Resident Services desk and their spacious, one-bedroom apartment retreat. “We feel like we have so much space. The bedroom is huge, the living area is huge,” says Connie. “And the team…everyone is so kind and welcoming.”
Connie and Louie also enjoy the convenience of The Franklin Residences’ on-demand, amenity spaces like the 24/7 state-of-the-art fitness center, brand new, 24/7 business lounge, and fun resident events. “I use the lounge a lot because it’s very quiet and you can reserve a conference room and have the space all to yourself,” says Louie. “It’s a great place to study and it’s nice to get out of your apartment and get work done somewhere else. I can focus better.”
With on-site retailers like Di Bruno Bros., Passero’s Coffee Roasters, Pure Barre, and Body+Beauty Lab, Connie and Louie find ease in the convenience that supports their sometimes hectic lifestyle. “You don’t even need to leave your apartment because you have everything you need right here,” says Connie.
The Franklin also boasts rich history, as it was formerly Philadelphia’s beloved Benjamin Franklin Hotel, and the former site where President Abraham Lincoln gave his pre-inaugural speech. The Lincoln Balcony, which overlooks Chestnut Street, also marks another historic moment – where Louie proposed to Connie.
“In the middle of the pandemic, I didn’t want to put off our engagement because there was no travel and restaurants were closed,” says Louie. “The Franklin has always meant a lot to us, so I was thrilled that I was able to reserve the balcony. The team at The Franklin was so enthusiastic and supportive helping me set up. It turned out amazing!”
For Louie and Connie, The Franklin Residences is more than an apartment community, it’s a comfortable community with a lot of heart.
“The overall atmosphere is fantastic for folks in the medical field like us,” says Connie. “The Franklin is definitely a convenient, safe, and friendly place to live.”