PHILADELPHIA | The Development Thread VIII

[summersm343]

A proposal has been approved by the Planning Commission to build 32 modular townhouses in Roxborough at the former site of the now defunct notorious nursing home that has since been fire ridden. The new development will be called "Kingsley Court."

Renders of the Townhomes


The site plan


What it is replacing


Full article here
http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/c...ingsley-court-

[Cro Burnham]

Originally Posted by summersm343

Renders of the Townhomes

summer, I LOVE your enthusiasm for Philly and development, but this is about as exciting as hearing about the latest Subway opening or sidewalk repairs in Paoli.

On other topics, I had the opportunity to visit the Navy Yard today, and went with low expectations. I hadn't been there for 15 years, when it was still something of a dump.

Urban Outfitters complex is phenomenal. As much as it is unfortunate that they couldn't stay in Center City, I understand why: it looks more like a giant studio than office space. There is nowhere in Center City that could really accommodate that kind of "creative" space. Maybe Northern Liberties, but that would be a stretch. Their floor plates are giant. I highly recommend anyone taking a visit down there during a weekday when it's busy (I have no idea what it's like during the weekend). The building with the cafe in it is amazing. Not that it's terribly relevant, but there was a shocking concentration of very stylish good looking women working down there. I mean ALOT of them.

I left with two main thoughts:

1) If the city powers that be were smart (ha ha ha) they'd see the future that Philadelphia could have if they extended the tax breaks that exist in the Navy Yard to the whole city. The place looked more like something you'd expect to see in SF or Brooklyn, not dowdy old run down Philly.

2) It's a shame the complex is still so cut off from Center City and even South Philly. It's too island like, like you're not in Philadelphia. The sooner they make that subway extension, the better.

Also, the HUP building at 8th and Walnut is now up to four stories of steel. That will be a very monolithic building as its height grows.

[PhiLaw]

Originally Posted by Cro Burnham

summer, I LOVE your enthusiasm for Philly and development, but this is about as exciting as hearing about the latest Subway opening or sidewalk repairs in Paoli.

On other topics, I had the opportunity to visit the Navy Yard today, and went with low expectations. I hadn't been there for 15 years, when it was still something of a dump.

Urban Outfitters complex is phenomenal. As much as it is unfortunate that they couldn't stay in Center City, I understand why: it looks more like a giant studio than office space. There is nowhere in Center City that could really accommodate that kind of "creative" space. Maybe Northern Liberties, but that would be a stretch. Their floor plates are giant. I highly recommend anyone taking a visit down there during a weekday when it's busy (I have no idea what it's like during the weekend). The building with the cafe in it is amazing. Not that it's terribly relevant, but there was a shocking concentration of very stylish good looking women working down there. I mean ALOT of them.

I left with two main thoughts:

1) If the city powers that be were smart (ha ha ha) they'd see the future that Philadelphia could have if they extended the tax breaks that exist in the Navy Yard to the whole city. The place looked more like something you'd expect to see in SF or Brooklyn, not dowdy old run down Philly.

2) It's a shame the complex is still so cut off from Center City and even South Philly. It's too island like, like you're not in Philadelphia. The sooner they make that subway extension, the better.

Also, the HUP building at 8th and Walnut is now up to four stories of steel. That will be a very monolithic building as its height grows.

Every development should be judged according to context. This development is in Roxborough - not a traditionally high-density area with huge developments. There are 32 modular homes for the elderly to replace a derelict property prone to catching on fire. In my opinion it's definately material and relevant information.

[hammersklavier]

Even when judged by context, it's still a poor design. It's not by any means in Upper Roxborough--most of the housing nearby is a great deal more urban.

I did two pieces on this a couple of months ago for Hidden City.

[Cro Burnham]

Originally Posted by PhiLaw

Every development should be judged according to context. This development is in Roxborough - not a traditionally high-density area with huge developments. There are 32 modular homes for the elderly to replace a derelict property prone to catching on fire. In my opinion it's definately material and relevant information.

I'm not saying it's irrelevant. It's relevant for the wrong reasons: like its being dog ugly and about 40 years out of date.

Definitely a lame, lame design, not worthy of praise regardless of the purpose or context, just like a Subway or Quizznos. I caught the 9 bus to work many a morning right near there, so I am very familiar with location. By no means is that a very dynamic neighborhood, but that development would be several notches down in a neighborhood already dominated by underwhelming architecture and a mediocre cityscape.

[summersm343]

I'm definitely interested in checking out the Navy Yard... can you just walk in there and walk around?

[skyhigh07]

Originally Posted by McBane

Are these buildings occupied? I know there are a few buildings in this area that seem kind of run down and empty on the upper floors. If it is office space, my guess is that it's probably run down Class C space.

Good news on 38th Street. I find that stretch of road to be disjointed and really too wide for what it's currently being used for. No reason why a 25 story building can't be built. It's not like they're going to demolish Independence Hall. Seems like any old building is considered "historical". Just another impediment for growth.

While I am all for new construction and modern skyscrapers, I believe that what makes Philly special and unique isn't its collection of modern buildings.Rather, Philly is defined by it's history and beautiful old architecture. Of course not every old building is as historically significant as Independence Hall, but every old building defines the history and beauty of the city's streetscape. Philly should appreciate what it is and what it has, instead of trying to be like every other American city. As a person that has lived in cities like Denver and LA, I can tell you that Philadelphians should be proud of their bricks and stones.

Finally, there  is a reason why Paris and Venice are considered to be more beautiful than Dallas and Phoenix. Unfortunately, that reason is sometimes forgotten...

[apetrella802]

in my view the navy yard is easily accessable to CC(Broad St one of the two main streets in the city is directly connected to it) and yet it has a wonderful feeling of being seperate like going from Venice to Murano. If residential development took place on the waterfront i think it would be higly successful.

The architecture and history is rich and in a sense many buildings are over built, if you know what i mean. A world unto itself!

[Jelly Roll]

Originally Posted by Cro Burnham

summer, I LOVE your enthusiasm for Philly and development, but this is about as exciting as hearing about the latest Subway opening or sidewalk repairs in Paoli.

On other topics, I had the opportunity to visit the Navy Yard today, and went with low expectations. I hadn't been there for 15 years, when it was still something of a dump.

Urban Outfitters complex is phenomenal. As much as it is unfortunate that they couldn't stay in Center City, I understand why: it looks more like a giant studio than office space. There is nowhere in Center City that could really accommodate that kind of "creative" space. Maybe Northern Liberties, but that would be a stretch. Their floor plates are giant. I highly recommend anyone taking a visit down there during a weekday when it's busy (I have no idea what it's like during the weekend). The building with the cafe in it is amazing. Not that it's terribly relevant, but there was a shocking concentration of very stylish good looking women working down there. I mean ALOT of them.

I left with two main thoughts:

1) If the city powers that be were smart (ha ha ha) they'd see the future that Philadelphia could have if they extended the tax breaks that exist in the Navy Yard to the whole city. The place looked more like something you'd expect to see in SF or Brooklyn, not dowdy old run down Philly.

2) It's a shame the complex is still so cut off from Center City and even South Philly. It's too island like, like you're not in Philadelphia. The sooner they make that subway extension, the better.

Also, the HUP building at 8th and Walnut is now up to four stories of steel. That will be a very monolithic building as its height grows.

Last time I was in the Navy Yard was back in 2008 when I was working in the construction field and we were putting up a building. From my experience working there is that it definitely has a completely different feel from the rest of Philly. I do not know what it looked like before but I can understand why you would be so surprised if you thought it would be run down. That whole complex is in very good condition now.

[Cro Burnham]

Originally Posted by summersm343

I'm definitely interested in checking out the Navy Yard... can you just walk in there and walk around?

It seems to be open to the public.

Originally Posted by apetrella802

in my view the navy yard is easily accessable to CC(Broad St one of the two main streets in the city is directly connected to it) and yet it has a wonderful feeling of being seperate like going from Venice to Murano. If residential development took place on the waterfront i think it would be higly successful.

The architecture and history is rich and in a sense many buildings are over built, if you know what i mean. A world unto itself!

I agree, but it would be nice if there were a subway link.

Originally Posted by Jelly Roll

I do not know what it looked like before but I can understand why you would be so surprised if you thought it would be run down. That whole complex is in very good condition now.

It really is! Summer, I smell a new mega photo post!

[josef]

Originally Posted by Ninjawho

So I may get yelled at for asking this here but maybe you can cut me some slack, all things considered.

I'm starting to see a girl who's moved to Philly in the last 4 months. She's from Milwaukee and so far doesn't really like our lovely city. Two problems. She's not yet 21 and she spends most of her time in CC, (around City Hall mostly), and a small part of Univ C. Obviously, most people would hate Philly if those were the only two places you got to see on a daily basis.

So, I'm going to start taking her around. First up is the Italian Market on sat morning and Sabrina's for brunch. We'll probably walk back through Queen's Village and Society Hill. I was thinking of biking up to the Wisahicken, (or even just up Kelly Drive, I don't know if she's done that yet.). Last weekend we went to Fitler Square which I think she liked that a lot.

We're both artists and like music. I know Union Transfer has a lot of under 21 shows but it's probably a no go for Johnny Brendas or KFNT.

I want to take her places that we all really enjoy and are uniquely our city. Nothing touristy. Hidden parks and neighborhoods with a nice vibe and places eat. Or chill venues like Chris' Jazz Cafe, etc.


I feel like an idiot asking but I just really want to impress her and no one knows our city like we do here on the board, IMHO.

I kind of remember being under 21 in Philly!

Sabrina's is a great idea. I love that place, it has a very "this is why Philly is awesome" feel. Take her to RIM Cafe at 9th and Federal after. It's super unique.

If you guys are both artists, have you brought up first fridays? That's a pretty fun night. And if your appreciation for art extends to movies, take her to a movie at the Ritz.

Other ideas could be Franklin Fountain for ice cream, or Chinatowm for dinner and/or bubble tea. I love hanging out in coffee places too, there are definitely some cool ones around.

Hell, even just walking around Washington Square should show her something nice about Philly. I used to love getting off PATCO at 8th & Market and walking down 6th Street to South.

[summersm343]

Originally Posted by Cro Burnham

It seems to be open to the public.



I agree, but it would be nice if there were a subway link.



It really is! Summer, I smell a new mega photo post!

I've been wanting to go to the Navy Yard for so long... with camera in hand of course.

[hammersklavier]

It's open to the public. Take your bike, the streets down there are really quiet and it's awesomely bikeable.

Don't forget to check out the industrial areas to the west of the Reserve Basin/Urban Outfitters area as well, they're incredibly gritty though lacking the streetscape improvements of the east.

[Pennsgrant]

Does anyone have access to Philadelphia Business Journal? They tease you with the online site. Give you a paragraph but you have to subscribe to read the rest. Wondering if this story has anything to do with 19th + Market or Cira South.




April 20,2012
Natalie Kostelni Philadelphia Business Journal

Brandywine Realty Trust , which has traditionally focused on buying and developing office buildings, is looking to break ground in the next six to 12 months on two multifamily projects.

[josef]

Originally Posted by Pennsgrant

Does anyone have access to Philadelphia Business Journal? They tease you with the online site. Give you a paragraph but you have to subscribe to read the rest. Wondering if this story has anything to do with 19th + Market or Cira South.

April 20,2012
Natalie Kostelni Philadelphia Business Journal

Brandywine Realty Trust , which has traditionally focused on buying and developing office buildings, is looking to break ground in the next six to 12 months on two multifamily projects.

Someone must... but if they don't, we should all chip in and buy one, heh.

Also, re: visiting the Navy Yard, http://navyyard.org/visitor-information says:

The Navy Yard is open for public visitation Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Outside of these hours, access is limited to tenants, their employees and guests. All visitors should enter via the main gate on Broad Street. Visitors are welcome to explore unrestricted areas of The Navy Yard campus, but going aboard docked ships is strictly prohibited.

I like that last part. As if they'd be cool if I was like "Hey dudes can I just jump on this real quick? Go invade Tinicum?"

[Cro Burnham]

Originally Posted by Pennsgrant

Does anyone have access to Philadelphia Business Journal? They tease you with the online site. Give you a paragraph but you have to subscribe to read the rest. Wondering if this story has anything to do with 19th + Market or Cira South.




April 20,2012
Natalie Kostelni Philadelphia Business Journal

Brandywine Realty Trust , which has traditionally focused on buying and developing office buildings, is looking to break ground in the next six to 12 months on two multifamily projects.

Unethically (illegally?) reposted here.

Suggests the possibility of a 25+ story residential/retail complex at 1919 Market site within 6 - 12 months.

[Pennsgrant]

Originally Posted by Cro Burnham

Unethically (illegally?) reposted here.

Suggests the possibility of a 25+ story residential/retail complex at 1919 Market site within 6 - 12 months.

Thanks man!

In Center City, it is in the process of finalizing a development plan for 1919 Market St., where it will build a residential tower that would stand 25 stories or more and have between 250 to 275 apartments. A portion of the tower would be dedicated for retail uses and underground parking. Both projects would break ground by the end of this year or beginning of next year. When Brandywine embarks on an apartment project, it plans to enter into partnerships with experienced residential builders who would serve as codevelopers with Brandywine.

[Jelly Roll]

Originally Posted by Pennsgrant

Thanks man!

In Center City, it is in the process of finalizing a development plan for 1919 Market St., where it will build a residential tower that would stand 25 stories or more and have between 250 to 275 apartments. A portion of the tower would be dedicated for retail uses and underground parking. Both projects would break ground by the end of this year or beginning of next year. When Brandywine embarks on an apartment project, it plans to enter into partnerships with experienced residential builders who would serve as codevelopers with Brandywine.

The density levels in this area in 5 years is going to be amazing if all of these apartment buildings are get built. I think this is just the beginning of the apartment boom.

[jrdizzy]

25 floors would put it over 300 ft. Roughly half the height of IBX. Not bad for that location, but not good either. Let's hope that this falls under "or more".

[Ninjawho]

Originally Posted by josef

I kind of remember being under 21 in Philly!

Sabrina's is a great idea. I love that place, it has a very "this is why Philly is awesome" feel. Take her to RIM Cafe at 9th and Federal after. It's super unique.

If you guys are both artists, have you brought up first fridays? That's a pretty fun night. And if your appreciation for art extends to movies, take her to a movie at the Ritz.

Other ideas could be Franklin Fountain for ice cream, or Chinatowm for dinner and/or bubble tea. I love hanging out in coffee places too, there are definitely some cool ones around.

Hell, even just walking around Washington Square should show her something nice about Philly. I used to love getting off PATCO at 8th & Market and walking down 6th Street to South.

Yea, I'm 25, and I was in DC for college before I was 21, so it's kinda weird thinking of things in Philly to do, that I've always done, and then be like, "Oh nm, we can't do that."

But it's all good. You guys suggested good things and confirmed my initial ideas. Franklin Fountain/Yogorino/Cappogiros were all on my radar and I've always felt the same way about Wash Sq. I think we'll do that on the walk back from Sabrina's.