We’ve been hearing about the redevelopment of the 24,306 square foot parcel just north of Girard Avenue at 1222 N. 2nd St. for more than 4 years. Back then, the area was much different and there were not many large-scale new developments north of Girard. However, over the last several years, hundreds of units have been added to the area within multiple large new buildings, stretching all the way past Berks St.
Back in 2016, the project team was seeking to build a 78-unit project on the site, which seems extremely appropriate today. However, they got pushback and slightly downsized the project. The developer went through the Civic Design Review, and we thought the end was near for the colorful building at 2nd and Thompson. Since then, we haven’t seen any action at the site for years and haven’t gotten many updates on the project.
Then, on December 31st, building permits were issued for the construction of a 5-story structure with 64 residential units, 7 artist studios, ground floor commercial space, 65 parking spaces, and a roof deck. If our memory serves us correctly, the artist studios were planned to be live work spaces back in 2016.
We haven’t seen any updated renderings for the project, but imagine it will be built similarly to the plan from 2016, which was designed by Harman Deutsch Ohler Architecture.
Will this project finally moved forward? Your guess is as good as ours. However, this is definitely a sign that the project team still plans on developing the building at some point. We get the feeling that it may finally break ground in the near future, so get out there and take some pictures of the colorful mural that currently graces the site if you’re into that kind of stuff.
Although this seems like a bit of parking overload so close to so much public transportation, we look forward to this building rising. Back in 2016, this development would have been a game changer for the area. Today, it just seems like another Ben Simmons assist. Thousands of units have recently been built, are under construction, or are in the planning phases on the surrounding blocks. What’s another 64 units among friends?
Kyle is a commercial real estate agent at Rittenhouse Realty Advisors, a homeowner, and a real estate investor in Philadelphia. Kyle uses his extensive Philadelphia real estate market knowledge to help his clients buy and sell multifamily investment properties, development opportunities, and industrial sites.
Email Kyle@RittenhouseRealty.com if you are looking to buy or sell a property
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