Moving to The St. James in Philadelphia PA
The St. James at 200 W Washington Square towers 45 stories over historic Washington Square, standing as one of Philadelphia’s most prestigious high-rise addresses. At 498 feet tall—the 17th tallest building in the city—this landmark property delivers hotel-style luxury living with sweeping views, a 60-foot swimming pool, and 24-hour concierge service. LiteMovers provides specialized moving services for St. James residents, coordinating seamlessly with building management, doorman services, and the dedicated freight elevator to deliver relocations worthy of this iconic address.
About The St. James
Located at 200 W Washington Square in Philadelphia’s Washington Square West neighborhood, The St. James represents a landmark achievement in Center City luxury living. Completed in 2004, this 45-story Chicago-style glass-and-concrete tower incorporates several historic 19th-century buildings into its design, including the preserved facades of York Row (built in 1807) and portions of the former Philadelphia Savings Fund Society headquarters.
The building features 306 residences with spacious layouts in studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom configurations. Most units include private balconies offering panoramic views of Washington Square, the Delaware River, or the Philadelphia skyline. The nine-story parking garage integrated into the building’s base provides convenient on-site parking for residents.
The St. James attracts discerning residents who appreciate both the building’s architectural significance and its comprehensive amenity package. From the 24-hour concierge in the exquisitely appointed lobby to the 60-foot indoor swimming pool, every detail reflects the hotel-style service that defines life at this address. This standard of excellence extends to every vendor who serves the building—including moving companies.
The St. James Floor Plans & Residences
The St. James offers studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom residences designed with spacious layouts that maximize natural light and capitalize on the building’s dramatic height. Most residences feature private balconies—a distinctive amenity for a Philadelphia high-rise.
Studio Apartments
Studio layouts at The St. James provide efficient luxury living starting around 640 square feet. These residences offer open floor plans with quality finishes throughout. Studios are the only unit type without private balconies, though floor-to-ceiling windows ensure abundant natural light and views.
One-Bedroom Residences
One-bedroom apartments offer generous layouts with dedicated sleeping quarters, living areas, and private balconies. Various configurations throughout the building provide options for different furniture arrangements. Corner units on higher floors command premium views spanning from Washington Square to the river.
Two-Bedroom Residences
Two-bedroom layouts accommodate families, roommates, or residents needing home office space. These units feature expanded living and dining areas, multiple bathrooms, and private balconies. Square footage varies by floor and position within the building.
Three-Bedroom Residences
The building’s largest residences offer three bedrooms with spacious layouts, multiple bathrooms, and premium views from private balconies. These units attract families and residents who require substantial living space in a full-service building environment.
Premium Residence Features
Private Balconies: Most residences feature private balconies—a rare amenity in Philadelphia high-rises. Balcony furniture and plants require coordination during moves to ensure safe transport to upper floors.
In-Unit Washer/Dryer: Residences include in-unit laundry connections. We coordinate appliance positioning and verify proper clearance during move-in planning.
Floor-to-Ceiling Windows: Expansive windows throughout provide dramatic views but require careful furniture positioning. We discuss optimal placement during your estimate to preserve sightlines.
Modern Finishes: Units feature quality fixtures and finishes that require appropriate protection during moves. Our teams deploy floor coverings and padding to prevent damage.
The St. James Amenities & Services
The St. James provides residents with hotel-style amenities and services that enhance daily living while creating specific considerations for moving logistics.
Concierge & Building Services
24-Hour Concierge: The building’s round-the-clock concierge coordinates all resident services, including move scheduling and vendor access. We work directly with concierge staff to confirm all logistics before move day.
Full-Time Doorman: A dedicated doorman welcomes residents and manages building access. Moving crews must coordinate arrival times and present proper documentation through the doorman.
On-Site Retail: Ground-floor retail provides convenient access to services and shopping without leaving the building.
Recreation & Wellness
60-Foot Indoor Pool: The building features a 60-foot lap pool—an exceptional amenity for a residential high-rise. Pool access remains available throughout your move-in process.
Fitness Center: A fully equipped fitness center serves residents with quality equipment for daily workouts. The facility provides cardio and strength training options.
Private Courtyard: An outdoor courtyard provides green space and relaxation areas for residents, offering a peaceful retreat within the urban environment.
Parking & Transportation
Garage Parking: The nine-story parking garage integrated into the building’s base provides on-site parking for residents. Garage access simplifies vehicle logistics during moves, though moving trucks typically use street loading zones.
Transit Access: Jefferson Station provides SEPTA Regional Rail access within blocks. Multiple bus routes serve the Washington Square area, and the building’s central location enables easy walking to most Center City destinations.
Washington Square West Location Benefits
The St. James’s address at 200 W Washington Square places residents in one of Philadelphia’s most historic and vibrant neighborhoods. Washington Square itself is one of the five original squares planned by William Penn in the 17th century.
Historic Significance
Washington Square anchors a neighborhood rich with American history. Independence National Historical Park lies just blocks east, while the square itself served as a burial ground during the Revolutionary War. Today, the tree-filled park provides a serene retreat surrounded by elegant townhouses and cultural institutions.
Dining & Entertainment
Washington Square West offers diverse dining from upscale restaurants to neighborhood cafes. Talula’s Garden, Green Eggs Café, and numerous other establishments operate within easy walking distance. The neighborhood’s proximity to Midtown Village adds additional dining and nightlife options, including Philadelphia’s Chinatown just blocks north.
Shopping & Services
The Walnut Street shopping corridor extends west from the building toward Rittenhouse Square. Antique Row on Pine Street provides unique shopping. Daily conveniences including grocery stores, pharmacies, and personal services operate throughout the neighborhood.
Healthcare & Education
Thomas Jefferson University and Pennsylvania Hospital both sit within blocks of The St. James, making the building particularly attractive to medical professionals, students, and faculty. The proximity to major medical institutions provides convenient healthcare access for all residents.
Transportation
Jefferson Station offers SEPTA Regional Rail connections to the suburbs and Philadelphia International Airport. PATCO provides service to New Jersey. The 9th-10th & Locust Street bus stop sits 0.2 miles from the building. The neighborhood’s excellent walkability—with a Walk Score approaching 100—reduces vehicle dependency for many residents.
Moving to The St. James: Logistics & Timeline
Moving into a 45-story high-rise requires specialized coordination that respects both building protocols and the logistics of vertical transportation. LiteMovers’ systematic approach ensures your relocation proceeds smoothly while maintaining positive relationships with building management.
Pre-Move Planning (4-6 Weeks Before)
Contact LiteMovers at (610) 755-5535 or 1-877-798-8989 to schedule your complimentary estimate. The St. James’s height and unit count create significant demand for freight elevator access, requiring advance scheduling to secure preferred move dates.
During planning, we coordinate directly with building management to confirm all requirements. This includes obtaining the specific Certificate of Insurance format required by the property, confirming freight elevator availability, and understanding current building protocols for vendor access.
Philadelphia requires Temporary No Parking permits for moving trucks on city streets. We coordinate permit applications for Washington Square area loading zones.
Two Weeks Before Move-In
Confirm all documentation has been submitted to building management. Verify your freight elevator reservation time and any building-specific requirements communicated by the property manager. Finalize unit access details including keys, fobs, and access codes.
If utilizing our professional packing services, our team arrives during this period to systematically prepare your belongings. We use premium packing materials appropriate for high-rise transport.
One Week Before Move-In
Conduct final confirmation with LiteMovers and building management. Review the planned timeline, confirm crew arrival time, and verify all access arrangements. We provide building management with our crew list and vehicle information as required.
Coordinate with the concierge regarding any special requirements for move day. Inform them if you expect family members, designers, or other visitors during the move so they can facilitate access appropriately.
Move-In Day
Our uniformed crew arrives at the scheduled time, checking in with the doorman and concierge upon arrival. We present documentation, confirm freight elevator access, and deploy floor protection throughout common areas as required.
Items travel via the dedicated freight elevator on our reserved schedule. Given The St. James’s 45-story height, efficient elevator utilization is essential—our crews are experienced in high-rise logistics that minimize transit time while protecting your belongings. Furniture is positioned according to your specifications, beds assembled, and boxes organized by room.
Following completion, we conduct a walkthrough with building staff to confirm common areas remain in pristine condition. Your move concludes with the same standard of professionalism The St. James maintains in all its services.
Specialized Services for The St. James
The St. James’s 45-story height and comprehensive amenity package create specific moving requirements. LiteMovers provides specialized capabilities developed through experience serving Philadelphia’s tallest residential buildings.
Certificate of Insurance Coordination: The building requires moving companies to carry substantial liability coverage with the property named as additional insured. We provide COIs in the exact format required by building management, delivered within 24-48 hours of request.
High-Rise Freight Elevator Logistics: At 45 stories, efficient elevator utilization significantly impacts move duration and cost. Our crews are experienced in high-rise logistics—staging items efficiently, maximizing elevator loads while protecting belongings, and coordinating timing to complete moves within reserved windows.
Balcony Furniture Coordination: Most St. James residences include private balconies. We coordinate transport of balcony furniture, planters, and outdoor items, ensuring proper protection during elevator transit to upper floors.
Lobby & Common Area Protection: The St. James’s exquisitely appointed lobby requires specialized protection. We deploy Masonite boards, floor runners, and corner guards meeting or exceeding building requirements throughout all common areas.
Concierge & Doorman Communication: We maintain professional communication with building staff throughout your move, ensuring management remains informed and any issues are addressed immediately.
View Preservation Furniture Placement: Units on upper floors command dramatic views that residents don’t want blocked by furniture. We discuss optimal placement during your estimate to maximize both functionality and sightlines.
Climate-Controlled Storage: For residents with items requiring temporary storage—whether between closings, during renovations, or awaiting custom installations—we offer secure, climate-controlled facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to The St. James
Q: How far in advance should I schedule a move to The St. James?
A: We recommend 4-6 weeks minimum for St. James moves. The building’s 306 units create significant freight elevator demand, and management requires advance documentation review. Peak periods (May-September, month-end dates) may require 6-8 weeks notice to secure preferred timing.
Q: What documentation does The St. James require from moving companies?
A: The building requires a Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing adequate liability coverage with the property named as additional insured. We also provide crew identification and vehicle information to building management. LiteMovers handles all documentation as a standard service.
Q: How long does a move take in a 45-story building?
A: Move duration depends on unit size, floor level, and belongings volume. High-floor moves typically require additional time for elevator transit. We provide accurate time estimates during your consultation based on your specific situation and discuss strategies to maximize efficiency.
Q: Can large furniture fit in The St. James freight elevator?
A: The freight elevator accommodates most furniture, though dimensions require verification for oversized pieces. King mattresses, large sectionals, and armoires typically fit; extremely large items may require disassembly. We assess specific pieces during your estimate.
Q: Is The St. James pet-friendly for moves?
A: Yes, The St. James welcomes pets. Inform us during scheduling if you have animals so we can coordinate appropriately with building staff and ensure your pets remain comfortable during the move.
Q: Is parking available during my move?
A: Moving trucks typically use street loading zones near the building rather than the parking garage. We coordinate Temporary No Parking permits as needed. The building’s integrated garage provides convenient parking for residents’ personal vehicles.
Q: What makes moving to The St. James different from other buildings?
A: The St. James combines significant height (45 stories), hotel-style services, and historic architectural elements. Moves require coordination with 24-hour concierge and doorman services, efficient high-rise logistics, and respect for the building’s prestigious common areas.
Q: Can you help with balcony furniture and plants?
A: Absolutely. Most St. James units include private balconies. We coordinate transport of outdoor furniture, planters, and balcony accessories, ensuring proper protection during elevator transit to upper floors.
Why Choose LiteMovers for Your Move to The St. James
High-Rise Expertise: We’ve conducted moves in Philadelphia’s tallest residential buildings. Our teams understand the logistics of 45-story moves—efficient elevator utilization, proper staging, and timing coordination that minimizes duration while protecting your belongings.
White-Glove Service Standards: The St. James attracts residents accustomed to hotel-style service. Our approach matches that expectation—from uniformed crews and professional communication to careful handling of every item. We represent your standards to building management and staff.
Comprehensive Documentation: COI coordination, insurance verification, crew credentials—we handle every documentation requirement as standard service. Building management receives everything they need without involving you in administrative details.
Licensed & Insured: LiteMovers operates under USDOT #2173383 and PA PUC #8916211, meeting all state and federal requirements for household goods transportation. Our comprehensive insurance satisfies The St. James’s requirements.
Building Relationships: Professional reputation matters in luxury buildings. Management teams recognize companies that respect their properties, follow protocols, and deliver on commitments. Our standing with Center City building management facilitates smoother coordination for our clients.
Learn More About The St. James
For residence availability, floor plans, and building information:
- The St. James Official Website – Building information and leasing
- Apartments.com – The St. James – Floor plans and pricing
- Visit Philadelphia – Washington Square West – Neighborhood guide
- Center City District – Local events and community resources
Ready to Move to The St. James?
Your move to one of Philadelphia’s most iconic high-rise addresses deserves expert handling from professionals who understand what excellence means at The St. James. LiteMovers coordinates every detail—from COI documentation to concierge communication—so your transition reflects the same seamless service you’ll experience as a resident.
Call LiteMovers Today: (610) 755-5535
Toll-Free: 1-877-798-8989
LiteMovers • 687 West Lancaster Ave, Wayne PA 19087
Licensed & Insured • USDOT #2173383 • PA PUC #8916211
Philadelphia’s Trusted Luxury Apartment Movers