PHILADELPHIA | Lowrise/General Developments Thread II

[Skintreesnail]

This retail blog has posted a couple times about it. Sounds like it's from Nashville. No date on opening though.
https://rittenhouseramblings.com/2024/09...cus-on-the-future-the-september-edition/

[bdurk]

Originally Posted by Skintreesnail

This retail blog has posted a couple times about it. Sounds like it's from Nashville. No date on opening though.
https://rittenhouseramblings.com/2024/09...cus-on-the-future-the-september-edition/

Thanks for the info! Really hoping they open this, their hot chicken is incredible.

[Gferg01]

Theres a Dave's across the bridge in Cherry Hill and i believe in NE Philly also if you havent had it and want to try it.

[PHLtoNYC]

Who woulda thought!

Car-free Sundays on Walnut Street boosted foot traffic, sales for restaurants and retailers, survey says
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelph...ee-sundays-sales-increases-20241009.html

[El Duderino]

Looks like the Planning Commission is considering a zoning update to the eastern end of South St. from Front to 11th. There's also a survey for public input, so get after it.

After Nearly 80 Years, Can We Get the South Street We Deserve?
https://jackphillyre.substack.com/p/after-nearly-80-years-can-we-get
10/9/2024

[El Duderino]

Originally Posted by PHLtoNYC

Who woulda thought!

Car-free Sundays on Walnut Street boosted foot traffic, sales for restaurants and retailers, survey says
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelph...ee-sundays-sales-increases-20241009.html

How many more times will this need to happen in the city before business owners believe it?

[jaysb]

Originally Posted by El Duderino

Looks like the Planning Commission is considering a zoning update to the eastern end of South St. from Front to 11th. There's also a survey for public input, so get after it.

After Nearly 80 Years, Can We Get the South Street We Deserve?
https://jackphillyre.substack.com/p/after-nearly-80-years-can-we-get
10/9/2024

I live pretty close to South Street. There has been a lot of cool spots open up over the last 18 months or so. I think it's heading in the right direction EXCEPT for the addition of MORE head shops. Seriously, how many are needed??
There are still nuisance bars but for the most part it's calmed down. I very rarely hear quads or dirt bikes coming down south and racing up Lombard. The connection to Penn's Landing is going to add a lot, I think.

[BroadandMarket]

Originally Posted by jaysb

I live pretty close to South Street. There has been a lot of cool spots open up over the last 18 months or so. I think it's heading in the right direction EXCEPT for the addition of MORE head shops. Seriously, how many are needed??
There are still nuisance bars but for the most part it's calmed down. I very rarely hear quads or dirt bikes coming down south and racing up Lombard. The connection to Penn's Landing is going to add a lot, I think.

I'm happy to see that Dobbs will be reopening soon with a new concept. It's still baffling that Jon's is sitting empty. It has to be one of the best outdoor prime spaces in the city. Ultimately there's just always going to be some vacancies on South Street, there's an insane amount of stores. I assume the Giant heirloom at headhouse is dead? That space, CVS and Downey's are a bummer.

[Redddog]

Originally Posted by BroadandMarket

I'm happy to see that Dobbs will be reopening soon with a new concept. It's still baffling that Jon's is sitting empty. It has to be one of the best outdoor prime spaces in the city. Ultimately there's just always going to be some vacancies on South Street, there's an insane amount of stores. I assume the Giant heirloom at headhouse is dead? That space, CVS and Downey's are a bummer.

Right?! That Jon's spot is PRIME. I cannot believe it's been empty for what, 6 years?! Crazy.

But there is a definite positive trend happening on South. Way more than what's happening in Old City.

[bdurk]

Originally Posted by Gferg01

Theres a Dave's across the bridge in Cherry Hill and i believe in NE Philly also if you havent had it and want to try it.

Oh trust me I've been to both a couple times. I just hope they put one in Center City so I don't have to drive up I-95 or cross the bridge to get it in future

[jaysb]

Originally Posted by Redddog

Right?! That Jon's spot is PRIME. I cannot believe it's been empty for what, 6 years?! Crazy.

But there is a definite positive trend happening on South. Way more than what's happening in Old City.

Now just imagine if they redid the space in head house south of the shambles into something people actually would gather at instead of those stupid coverings that don't even provide shade (with a parking lot between them). The worst part: "Local firm Ambit Architecture, which is headquartered on the square, provided the design."

[Raja]

Originally Posted by jaysb

I live pretty close to South Street. There has been a lot of cool spots open up over the last 18 months or so. I think it's heading in the right direction EXCEPT for the addition of MORE head shops. Seriously, how many are needed??
There are still nuisance bars but for the most part it's calmed down. I very rarely hear quads or dirt bikes coming down south and racing up Lombard. The connection to Penn's Landing is going to add a lot, I think.

We must live really close to each other. I agree that South Street reached its nadir in summer 2022 after the mass shooting. Since then, things have improved slowly but steadily, and the nights feel much much more under control. In terms of development potential, it seems like a complete no-brainer.

[El Duderino]

It's definitely encouraging seeing the progress on South for sure. Abbott Square right now is the biggest culprit - imagine if there was a good grocery store and some additional new retail instead of a superblock with nothing but a Rita's (which should absolutely 100% stay if possible).

[Redddog]

Originally Posted by El Duderino

It's definitely encouraging seeing the progress on South for sure. Abbott Square right now is the biggest culprit - imagine if there was a good grocery store and some additional new retail instead of a superblock with nothing but a Rita's (which should absolutely 100% stay if possible).

What would everyone like to see go into that massive Abbott's Square space, if they could wave a wand?

I'll start with.... a Wegmans.

[Arch+Eng]

Has there ever been a tenant in those spaces (other than ritas)?

Seems like its always been vacant, which seems ridiculous. Is no one interested in renting commercial space there?

I would rather not see another super market on south st. They are too large and take up too much space, plus there is already a super market a few blocks up. I would rather see the small unique store format continue in this space as well.

Originally Posted by Redddog

What would everyone like to see go into that massive Abbott's Square space, if they could wave a wand?

I'll start with.... a Wegmans.

And for my vote, i'd have to say.....WENDY's

[BroadandMarket]

Originally Posted by jaysb

Now just imagine if they redid the space in head house south of the shambles into something people actually would gather at instead of those stupid coverings that don't even provide shade (with a parking lot between them). The worst part: "Local firm Ambit Architecture, which is headquartered on the square, provided the design."

In defense of Ambit (who otherwise does great work), NIMBYs destroyed that redesign.

Fells Point in Baltimore has the perfect example of what to replicate (Broadway Square). It's really not that hard. Belgian block pavers, brick median, trees, benches, planters, lights. Oh and they could have done an underground municipal parking garage and removed all the parking from Headhouse Square. Look how much better this is.





Look around at Baltimore: https://maps.app.goo.gl/evjiPgXMGGtqtrXn8

[PurpleWhiteOut]

That looks like every 'plaza' we already have in Old City. I usually find things like that to be barren and overly hot in the summer. In the shambles case, it started with a better design with a fountain and everything, just needed a refreshing

[PHL10]

^^^ I guess to each their own but that looks uninviting to me. I prefer the clutter of Head House Square to that sanitized plaza.

[begoonie]

Originally Posted by Arch+Eng

Has there ever been a tenant in those spaces (other than ritas)?

Seems like its always been vacant, which seems ridiculous. Is no one interested in renting commercial space there?

I would rather not see another super market on south st. They are too large and take up too much space, plus there is already a super market a few blocks up. I would rather see the small unique store format continue in this space as well.




And for my vote, i'd have to say.....WENDY's

Back in the day, Blockbuster, Chefs Market, Comedy Club and I believe Hats in the Belfry.

[mih216]

Originally Posted by begoonie

Back in the day, Blockbuster, Chefs Market, Comedy Club and I believe Hats in the Belfry.

I don't remember Blockbuster's being there (there was one up around 5th & South), but the Chef's Market was really good and very popular. A Trader Joe's would always be a welcome addition.