Couple Renovates South Philadelphia Rowhouse into an Updated Living Space

In South Philadelphia, newlyweds Jordana Swartz and Dan Spellacy are finding their niche in a 1,000-square-foot home they purchased just over a year ago. This residence, initially listed on the market for more than a year, is now the backdrop for their shared life and ongoing renovation projects.

The couple described their home as a “landlord special,” characterized by subpar finishes, a haphazard paint job, and poorly designed bathrooms and kitchen. However, the couple saw potential in the property’s location and secured it at a favorable price. One of the advantages of the neighborhood is Paolone Park, a well-maintained green space that Swartz fondly referred to as a community gem.

Swartz and Spellacy, both self-identified “fix-it-up people,” are investing their time and skills into transforming their home. Living room decor includes a refurbished 1960s radio and record player, showcasing Spellacy’s handy approach to home improvement. The couple embraces an ethos of recycling and repurposing, with most of their household items coming from second-hand sources.

Spellacy, 27, works as an electrical engineer contracted by the U.S. Navy, while Swartz, a climbing wall coordinator at Drexel University, values the rich family history embedded in the area. Both have roots in South Philadelphia, a factor that adds to their commitment to enhancing their community.

In addition to personalizing their home decor, the couple also navigates the logistics of living car-free. Their commitment to sustainable transport methods, including biking and public transport, presents unique challenges when it comes to sourcing materials and transporting them for their renovation projects. They cleverly employ a bike trailer, along with services like Uber and SEPTA, to manage their needs.

Their patient, resourceful approach has led to fortunate finds, including outdoor furniture and even a clothes dryer, highlighting South Philadelphia’s vibrant second-hand market. The couple’s home improvements have included painting interiors, restoring hardwood floors, and performing tiling work. The color scheme in their living area is inspired by the local park, featuring a sunny plumeria hue that invites warmth into the space.

Amid their renovations, they discovered original hardwood floors covered by subsequent layers of vinyl. The couple decided to honor the floorboards’ history rather than attempt a flawless aesthetic. They meticulously removed old fixtures and layers of flooring, leading to unexpected discoveries such as a Bicentennial quarter from 1976.

Future projects for the couple include renovating the kitchen and bathroom. Throughout this process, Swartz and Spellacy have found strength in their partnership, learning to adapt and problem-solve together amid the challenges of home renovation. Their journey reflects a commitment not just to their home but to fully investing in their shared life and local community.