Where Philadelphia • June 2000
What's In Store
What's hot on the retail front
by James Zeleniak

Old City/New Designs
Because Old City neighbors Indepence National Historical Park and Society Hill, it's chock full of historic attractions well worth your time visiting. Must sees include the Betsy Ross House (239 Arch Street), Elfreth's Alley, (Second & Front Sts.) and the grave site of the anointed patron saint of America-Benjamin Franklin, Christ Church Burial Ground, (5th & Arch Sts.). These sites have been neighborhood fixtures since the area was little more than a growing hamlet on the outskirts of a sprawling capital city and have layed witness to many changes over the past several centuries. In more recent years, since the area's decline as an industrial center, Old City has found new life as the city's most venerable art community. With that—like SoHo in the '70s—came the Yuppies. Now the latest invaders to chic, post-millennium Old City are a curious sort—ultra-stylish home furnishing stores.

Even if you're not in the market for modern sticks, stop into these gallery like settings for a firsthand look at what's coming to a home near you. And if you are in the market—they'll ship.

Minima partners Eugenie Perret and Juliette Brody embrace the spare lines and sleek image of total minimalism. The result? The ice-queen of modern design showrooms. Smashing.

Armed with a 2001 Space Odyssey design sensibility, the two travel the world in search of cutting edge furniture at reasonably accessible prices. Items range from $100 to $10,000. And remember—they can ship.