Glen Foerd at Torresdale

Glen Foerd is an 18-acre estate along the Delaware River featuring an Italianate mansion with Edwardian Classical Revival additions and formal gardens. The property includes manicured lawns and planted beds that form structured outdoor spaces around the main building.

Charles Macalester built the property in 1850 and later served as a financial adviser to eight United States presidents. Robert Foerderer acquired the estate in 1893 and shaped its future development.

The mansion holds extensive collections of documents and records from 1870 to 2010 that tell the story of the family who lived here and Philadelphia's social history. These archives allow visitors to follow how a wealthy household evolved over generations.

The estate is located at 5001 Grant Avenue in Philadelphia and offers guided tours and educational programs throughout the year. Visitors should check ahead to confirm opening days, especially if interested in specific programs or events.

The property is the last remaining riverfront estate within Philadelphia's city limits and preserves its original architectural features and garden layout. This rarity makes it a valued record of how wealthy families lived on waterfront properties in the region.