Remarks:
The Sheppard Residence designed by Frank Weise in 1950 is one of the finest examples if mid-century modern architecture. When in this home there is a feeling of floating in the trees, overlooking the 2+ acre property. It is a similar feeling with the renowned Farnsworth house outside of Chicago by Miese van der Rohe, and the Glass house by Philip Johnson in New Cannan. The Sheppard Residence was completed in 1950 one year after the Glass house and one year prior to the Farnesworth. This home by Weise is significant in the progession of great mid-century modern architecture of the US.
The unique design makes incredibly efficient use of the interior space, giving it the feel of a large modern home of the period. The upstairs has the expansive living room/ dining room, entry area, 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and a bonus space. Downstairs there is a family room, bath, office and additional work/storage space.
The steel frame home has many wonderful architectural details such as the floating ceilings, corner glass, entry area detail, and beautiful stonework. Each of the 4 bedrooms and the main hall have incredible original built in cabinets. The home is well situated on the 2+ acres given much privacy and a wonderful view down to the stream.The home is on the market for the first time and has all original details preserved, even the original colors on the kitchen cabinets and exterior. Although the home has had many upgrades including central air, a new roof and heater both replaced about 5 years ago, it is being offered in as is condition.
The home has easy access into center city Philadelphia with a rail station very close to the home. It is located in Abington Township with an award winning school district. It is close to restaurants and shopping and easy access to NYC less than 1.5 hours into midtown.
Frank Weise Biography born 8/10/1918 died 1/31/2003
Brooklyn, NY native Frank Weise
(born Frank Weiss) moved with his family to Philadelphia at a young
age. After graduating from Simon Gratz High School in the city, Weise
studied architecture at the University of Pennsylvania. He
distinguished himself as a student, completing a B. Arch. with honors
in 1942, and winning awards in freehand drawing and a first medal from
the Beaux Arts Institute of Design his final year. After completing his
degree, he worked briefly in the office of George Howe and Louis I.
Kahn, where he contributed to several of the war housing projects in
the office. Weise went on to Harvard studying under Marcel Breuer and
Walter Gropius, completing an M. Arch. in 1945. That same year, he
studied design at the progressive and experimental Black Mountain
College, in Black Mountain, NC.After World War II, Weise was based in
Chicago, IL, working on the planning of Michael Reese Hospital under
Reginald Reginald Isaacs followed by architectural work at the office
of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. In
1949, while in the office of Loebl, Schlossman & Bennett, he worked
on the design of Park Forest, IL, a residential and commercial
development intended for returning GI's and their families.Weise
returned to Philadelphia around 1949 and established his own office. | 
