The mid-century 4 story building at 855 Pennsylvania Street is inextricably tied to the 12 story high rise west of the alley behind it called 888 Logan. The building was completed in 1962 and was the last addition to the 888 Logan Apartment project. The structure spanned two previous properties on Pennsylvania (other side of the block), due east of 888 Logan: 835 Pennsylvania and 845 Pennsylvania. The architectural firm was again Muchow and Company, specifically William C. Muchow and an associate, Nathaniel (Nat) Sachter. The principals in the 888 Logan Apartments played the same role in the creation of the 855 building. Saul Davidson and Arnold Cohen may have had a vision in 1957 as to how the 888 Logan Apartments would expand. Somehow, they were always in the right place at the right time. Long before 888 Logan was completed and way before 855 Penn was considered, the two petitioned the city to pass a tunnel under the north-south alley of Block 12 to reach the 845 Pennsylvania property, which they later acquired. They tore the residence down and constructed a ‘guest parking garage’ for 888 Logan, both above and below grade, even though ample parking already existed. A short while later the duo snatched up the 835 property, immediately south of the 845 site. Their architectural team of Muchow and Sachter envisioned the 855 building to sit half above the already-constructed parking garage and half to rest on the last property acquisition, 835 Pennsylvania. This second building was constructed and managed by the 888 Logan, Inc. which had assumed ownership of the 888 Logan property. This structure has always lived in the shadow of the 888 Logan Apartments (it was known as 888 Logan Apartments East until conversion to condos in 1978). The structures have been connected via the alley tunnel. The building had no fanfare or grand opening, did not boast of famous residents and was an average apartment building, sharing amenities with 888 Logan (pool, Club Room, etc.) but had its own HVAC system. Both buildings comprise today’s 888 Condo Association.
