Where Historic Architecture Meets Elevated Design
The Poplar Apartments – Philadelphia, PA
Originally constructed in 1918 as a warehouse for Strawbridge & Clothier’s iconic Center City department store, The Poplar has been transformed into one of Philadelphia’s most vibrant residential destinations. Located adjacent to the energetic Northern Liberties neighborhood, the newly launched development now features 285 luxury apartments, integrated parking, and the expansive Solmar rooftop terrace with panoramic city views.
Designed as a resort-style amenity space, the Solmar rooftop terrace blends bold colors, playful design, and elevated outdoor living. Residents can enjoy three infinity-edge saltwater pools, two hot tubs, private cabanas, and expansive gathering spaces overlooking the Philadelphia skyline.
Layr Systems was involved early in the project development process, working closely with both the contractor and building ownership team from concept through completion. Due to the complexity of the rooftop layout, Layr provided detailed CAD shop drawings and technical takeoffs to coordinate pedestal placement around existing rooftop conditions, pool infrastructure, and mechanical systems.
The project required elevated pedestal heights ranging from 24” to 36”, creating significant installation challenges while maintaining a perfectly level finished surface. Layr’s LevelPro pedestal system was selected for its adjustability, structural stability, and ability to accommodate demanding rooftop applications with varying elevations and obstructions.
Careful coordination of pedestal layouts allowed the installation team to work around pool piping and existing rooftop features without compromising design intent or drainage performance. The elevated system also enabled deeper pool construction while preserving accessibility and maintaining clean architectural lines throughout the terrace. The rooftop terrace features Layr Systems’ Pacific Pearl 2cm porcelain pavers, selected for their sophisticated natural stone aesthetic, durability, and long-term performance in elevated outdoor environments. Part of Layr’s Cityline Travertine collection, Pacific Pearl delivers a refined contemporary finish that complements the luxury resort-inspired atmosphere of the Solmar rooftop terrace while offering the strength, slip resistance, and low-maintenance benefits required for high-traffic amenity spaces. The color also provides strong Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) performance, helping reduce rooftop heat absorption and supporting sustainable design initiatives.
By collaborating closely throughout construction, Layr Systems helped deliver a rooftop environment that balances technical precision with luxury outdoor living — transforming a historic industrial structure into a modern urban destination.
