A symbol of urban renewal in Philadelphia burned in an arson fire two days after the landlord turned over the building.
PHILADELPHIA — Two days before a four-alarm blaze gutted the vacant Admiral Court apartments at 48th and Locust Streets, the property’s owner, Philadelphia landlord Phil Pulley, signed a deed transferring the complex to a New York investment firm now demolishing the site, according to a report. Federal investigators have ruled the June fire intentionally set and are continuing the arson probe. Firehouse
Property records cited in the report identify the new owner as Aureus Special Asset Management, an entity linked to overseas investors. Crews began teardown last week after the firm obtained a city demolition permit this month. Firehouse
Pulley, who faced a $29.4 million foreclosure tied to stalled redevelopment plans at Admiral Court and the neighboring Dorsett Court, agreed to transfer both properties to lenders; he signed Admiral Court’s deed on June 5. The fire broke out less than 48 hours later, drawing more than 150 firefighters and knocking out power to about 750 nearby residents. No injuries were reported. Firehouse
The ATF, working with Philadelphia police and fire investigators, said the incident was an “intentionally set incendiary fire.” A spokesperson declined to provide further details while the investigation remains active. Firehouse
City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier criticized Pulley’s stewardship of the long-vacant buildings—cleared of tenants in 2018—and raised concerns that a lack of transparency around the new ownership could compound blight after demolition. Pulley did not respond to requests for comment; an individual at a related New York office declined to comment. Firehouse
Admiral Court, once promoted as a symbol of urban renewal, had racked up dozens of code citations in recent years, including fire code violations, as Pulley’s portfolio drew mounting legal and financial scrutiny. Separate city actions and state consumer-protection litigation remain pending, the report said. Firehouse
This story will be updated as investigators release additional information.
About The MES Dispatch
The MES Dispatch, powered by MES Life Safety, brings together frontline news, operational lessons, and gear insights for fire, EMS, and law enforcement professionals. Contact: 1-877-711-5557. Visit: www.meslifesafety.com.
About MES Life Safety
MES Life Safety supports first responders across the U.S. and Canada with life-saving equipment, uniforms/apparel, and customer support programs tailored to operational needs. Through our Total Customer Care (TCC) approach, we help agencies plan replacements, navigate funding, and maintain readiness with responsive service and post-sale support. For details, contact your MES representative or your regional TCC coordinator.