PHILADELPHIA | Highrise Development Thread IX - Page 393

arnaz · #**7841** Posted **Jun 24, 2015, 8:12 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philly Fan

More on this, including a rendering of the proposed project:

Panel OKs plans to demolish historic Royal Theater

I wonder if the Jamaican Jerk Hut will survive the development on this block and the block behind it? I remember a few years ago the residents of the Symphony House were trying to get it closed. It would be nice to see a neighborhood favorite (not a favorite of Symphony House I guess...) get incorporated into any new development that is sure to continue on the block.

Londonee · #**7842** Posted **Jun 24, 2015, 8:31 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by arnaz

I wonder if the Jamaican Jerk Hut will survive the development on this block and the block behind it? I remember a few years ago the residents of the Symphony House were trying to get it closed. It would be nice to see a neighborhood favorite (not a favorite of Symphony House I guess...) get incorporated into any new development that is sure to continue on the block.

You clearly haven't been down this way in a while...?

Geographically - the Royal building and re-development are on the 1500 Block of South Street. The Jamaican Jerk Hut is on the 1400 Block of South Street. Between these two properties is probably 10 bars/restaurants and a whole lot of other things - so they aren't really connected.

The Jerk Hut sits adjacent to the wildly popular (and much, much nicer than the Wharton Street site) PHS Beer Garden and there's actually an ordering window from the Jerk Hut, accessible from inside the beer garden. It's a nice boon to business. The other side of the Jerk Hut, which used to be it's jam-band lawn that annoyed the SH residents - is now a huge development that's finishing up shortly.

If you're worried about rich people moving in and being angry (see aforementioned bars and outdoor Beer Garden) - i really don't think it's an issue and the JH has a whole lotta new, cashed-up residents to sell to.

arnaz · #**7843** Posted **Jun 24, 2015, 9:08 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Londonee

You clearly haven't been down this way in a while...?

Geographically - the Royal building and re-development are on the 1500 Block of South Street. The Jamaican Jerk Hut is on the 1400 Block of South Street. Between these two properties is probably 10 bars/restaurants and a whole lot of other things - so they aren't really connected.

The Jerk Hut sits adjacent to the wildly popular (and much, much nicer than the Wharton Street site) PHS Beer Garden and there's actually an ordering window from the Jerk Hut, accessible from inside the beer garden. It's a nice boon to business. The other side of the Jerk Hut, which used to be it's jam-band lawn that annoyed the SH residents - is now a huge development that's finishing up shortly.

If you're worried about rich people moving in and being angry (see aforementioned bars and outdoor Beer Garden) - i really don't think it's an issue and the JH has a whole lotta new, cashed-up residents to sell to.

No, I've been down that way. I was just picturing the Royal on the same block as the JH. I guess my comment is that the JH building seems like it sits in the middle of a few lots that are prime for development. There are 3 parking lots and the Beer Garden on that block. One one hand I would love to see developments on this block, especially since its so close to Broad. However, I kind of like the set up of the Beer Garden and the JH there. Sort of like an oasis in the middle of the city.

Also, not worried about the rich people... I hear they're harmless.

Cro Burnham · #**7844** Posted **Jun 24, 2015, 9:15 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsarstruck

No idea why you're blaming CCRA. It needed a variance. So your outrage should be reserved for the city for the zoning code it enacted.

Outrage? Um, bit of hyperbole. Just venting. And confused as to why anyone needs CCRA's sign-off on what should be a cut and dry situation. Even given the need for a variance, which you are right, is thoroughly stupid, it is odd CCRA has jurisdiction over what is essentially an elevated highway ramp far removed from any houses.

philatonian · #**7845** Posted **Jun 25, 2015, 1:29 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philly Fan

Here's a tasty project at 24th and Walnut Streets, at the foot of the Walnut Street Bridge:

Garces test kitchen in Center City is moving forward

Great news, now put Mandeville Place on top of it

jjv007 · #**7846** Posted **Jun 25, 2015, 4:42 AM**

Mandeville Place, I remember, what could have been

jjv007 · #**7847** Posted **Jun 25, 2015, 4:44 AM**

I've seen great renderings of CITC and FMC but does anyone know of any renderings which include them both...just wondering.

hammersklavier · #**7848** Posted **Jun 25, 2015, 5:12 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cro Burnham

Outrage? Um, bit of hyperbole. Just venting. And confused as to why anyone needs CCRA's sign-off on what should be a cut and dry situation. Even given the need for a variance, which you are right, is thoroughly stupid, it is odd CCRA has jurisdiction over what is essentially an elevated highway ramp far removed from any houses.

Not that far removed. William Penn Realty owns some dumpy apartments around the corner (the building the excellent Good Karma cafe's in), the factory across the street from it's been turned into loft apartments, and there are townhomes along 24th St.

So quite a few people live in a block of this "highway ramp" (which represents more excessively highway-oriented traffic engineering in an urban environment).

That said, there is no reason whatsoever why restaurants should not be by-right anywhere in Center City.

1487 · #**7849** Posted **Jun 25, 2015, 1:01 PM**

I saw some workers around the future Aloft hotel conversion at broad and arch. According to L&I site the facade repair permit that was first issued in 2012 has been reissued or updated as of May 2015 by Gilbane. So I guess that means this project is moving forward.

br323206 · #**7850** Posted **Jun 25, 2015, 3:13 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by hammersklavier

Not that far removed. William Penn Realty owns some dumpy apartments around the corner (the building the excellent Good Karma cafe's in), the factory across the street from it's been turned into loft apartments, and there are townhomes along 24th St.

So quite a few people live in a block of this "highway ramp" (which represents more excessively highway-oriented traffic engineering in an urban environment).

That said, there is no reason whatsoever why restaurants should not be by-right anywhere in Center City.

At least they have taken some steps to correct that situation. They removed the highway-like signage and replaced the lighting with more pedestrian-scaled lighting. Incremental changes, but they've really made a difference.

Cro Burnham · #**7851** Posted **Jun 25, 2015, 3:44 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by hammersklavier

Not that far removed. William Penn Realty owns some dumpy apartments around the corner . . . .

Yeah, speaking of William Penn Realty, wouldn't it be great if CCRA started a campaign to shame the legions of rundown apartment companies like Wm Penn, Signatuure, Green Street, etc.? But that's apparently not as fun as trying to stick it to the people actually trying to do nice things with their property in Center City, while the slumlords get a free pass. I don't understand that aspect of NIMBYs.

Not outraged, Tsarstruck, just mildly frustrated.

hammersklavier · #**7852** Posted **Jun 25, 2015, 7:03 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by br323206

At least they have taken some steps to correct that situation. They removed the highway-like signage and replaced the lighting with more pedestrian-scaled lighting. Incremental changes, but they've really made a difference.

Don't forget widening the sidewalks and adding a buffered bike lane!

There's still a good half-mile between the lights at 23rd and Schuylkill, though. I would love to see a pedestrian scramble light either at 24th or the Schuylkill Banks entrances. That'd decrease the distance between lights which would further help keep traffic speeds down.

alasi · #**7853** Posted **Jun 25, 2015, 7:30 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjv007

I've seen great renderings of CITC and FMC but does anyone know of any renderings which include them both...just wondering.

Flyers Fan did a great one looking towards Center City that also includes the SLS (post #2910).

PHL10 · #**7854** Posted **Jun 25, 2015, 7:34 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by hammersklavier

That said, there is no reason whatsoever why restaurants should not be by-right anywhere in Center City.

I’m not defending the City’s zoning but there are two large drawbacks with restaurants from a neighbor perspective. The exhaust and the dumpsters full of food waste and where to put those. If it’s on Sansom Street, no problem. If it’s in a rowhome on Lombard, that's something that may require consideration so I wouldn’t absolutely say they should be approved without evaluation in all of Center City.

sayitaintso · #**7855** Posted **Jun 25, 2015, 8:07 PM**

Does anybody know what that the large stick built all wood framed development on the suburban side of the Schuylkill just before green lane exit heading west? Is very prominent and tall considering its all wood and no steel or concrete supports.

br323206 · #**7856** Posted **Jun 25, 2015, 9:50 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by sayitaintso

Does anybody know what that the large stick built all wood framed development on the suburban side of the Schuylkill just before green lane exit heading west? Is very prominent and tall considering its all wood and no steel or concrete supports.

O'Neill Property Group is building just shy of 600 apartments. They have built similar projects in Conshy.

http://www.mainlinemedianews.com/article...times/news/doc518bdd4b5a6c7978845848.txt

tsarstruck · #**7857** Posted **Jun 25, 2015, 10:52 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cro Burnham

Yeah, speaking of William Penn Realty, wouldn't it be great if CCRA started a campaign to shame the legions of rundown apartment companies like Wm Penn, Signatuure, Green Street, etc.? But that's apparently not as fun as trying to stick it to the people actually trying to do nice things with their property in Center City, while the slumlords get a free pass. I don't understand that aspect of NIMBYs.

Not outraged, Tsarstruck, just mildly frustrated.

I mean, whatever, I don't see that big of a difference between being outraged and finding something "amazing to me, in a bad way," that a group of "small-time power freaks driven by ego" should be involved, but in the end who cares about the words.

This is a weird case, as usually CMX-4 would allow restaurants by right. Not exactly sure what triggered the variance (not being on the first floor? something else? anyone have any idea?), but once a variance is triggered developers need to meet with a Registered Community Organization. It's as simple as that.

The reason community groups get involved with variances is because that's the only thing not being built by right. What, exactly, would you have them do to "shame" the existing building owners into upgrading their properties? They're legal, and there's nothing anyone can do about them.

blorkishdork · #**7858** Posted **Jun 26, 2015, 12:08 PM**

I've been riding by a property between 15th and 16th on Spruce, specifically between S. Hicks street and the CVS on the corner. That one story building that had a pizza place an italian restaurant and something in it. They have been gutting it for a couple of weeks or so. Does anyone know what the plans are for this building? I hope its getting demolished and a nice apartment building by-right is going in (even if it is only 10 floors or so I'd take it). I hope it is not just the renovation of a one story building.... that would be sad.

Edit: Never mind, looks like the CVS is expanding into this space, that is unfortunate.

http://www.phila.gov/data/Pages/default.aspx?entity=permits&eid=591430

lsksl · #**7859** Posted **Jun 26, 2015, 6:37 PM**

New building by Bjarke Ingels is coming to the Navy Yard

http://www.phillymag.com/property/2015/06/26/bjarke-ingels-navy-yard/

This is the same firm responsible for the new WTC 2 in New York.

". The gravity defying design of the building mimics the circular nature of the new park"

I hope it's something attractive and interesting. Even if it's not that attractive it's a great thing for the Navy Yard as it will probably catch some attention.

Larry King · #**7860** Posted **Jun 26, 2015, 11:36 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsksl

New building by Bjarke Ingels is coming to the Navy Yard

http://www.phillymag.com/property/2015/06/26/bjarke-ingels-navy-yard/

This is the same firm responsible for the new WTC 2 in New York.

". The gravity defying design of the building mimics the circular nature of the new park"

I hope it's something attractive and interesting. Even if it's not that attractive it's a great thing for the Navy Yard as it will probably catch some attention.

Wow a spec office building? Whens the last time someone built one of those in the delaware valley...