PHILADELPHIA | Lowrise/General Developments Thread

[Jayfar]

Originally Posted by TonyTone

My favorite project that was funded out of that list is the Old Supermarket across form Frankford Transportation.

I was wondering who owned it, and SEPTA does so thats good they want to put mixed used there, when they start that project that whole area is gonna change.

I think you mis-read that item. The supermarket building itself is apparently not involved at this point and may be demolished (the PHC granted a hardship application to allow its demo a while back). And SEPTA does NOT own the land in this phase at least, but expressed interest in providing land for future phases of development. The land in the current project is owned variously by Rite Aid (5129-35 Frankford Ave) and Fidelity Bank — well that’s what atlas says, they mean Wells Fargo — 5119-25 and 5113-17 Frankford.

https://www.ocfrealty.com/naked-philly/p...llys-racp-funding-top-ten-countdown-10-6

The spreadsheet with all the applications and grants from the latest round of RACP grants is here:

https://www.budget.pa.gov/Programs/RACP/Pages/Main%20Page.aspx

https://www.budget.pa.gov/Programs/RACP/Documents/Round%202022%20Submissions-Awards.xlsx

Note there are separate columns for the amount requested and amount awarded; for items where the latter column is blank, no grant was awarded. I notice the spreadsheet has been updated with additional grant recipients since I downloaded it previously.

The FTC TOD project will consist of a mixed-use development, anchored by a supermarket, a municipal health center and mixed income housing. The site includes the parcels located at 5129-35 Frankford Ave, 5119 Frankford Ave, and 5113-17 Frankford Ave. Additionally, SEPTA has expressed interest in including some of their parcels in a future TOD project.The funds will be used towards the construction of the project.

[TonyTone]

Originally Posted by Jayfar

I think you mis-read that item. The supermarket building itself is apparently not involved at this point and may be demolished (the PHC granted a hardship application to allow its demo a while back). And SEPTA does NOT own the land in this phase at least, but expressed interest in providing land for future phases of development. The land in the current project is owned variously by Rite Aid (5129-35 Frankford Ave) and Fidelity Bank — well that’s what atlas says, they mean Wells Fargo — 5119-25 and 5113-17 Frankford.

https://www.ocfrealty.com/naked-philly/p...llys-racp-funding-top-ten-countdown-10-6

The spreadsheet with all the applications and grants from the latest round of RACP grants is here:

https://www.budget.pa.gov/Programs/RACP/Pages/Main%20Page.aspx

https://www.budget.pa.gov/Programs/RACP/Documents/Round%202022%20Submissions-Awards.xlsx

Note there are separate columns for the amount requested and amount awarded; for items where the latter column is blank, no grant was awarded. I notice the spreadsheet has been updated with additional grant recipients since I downloaded it previously.

The FTC TOD project will consist of a mixed-use development, anchored by a supermarket, a municipal health center and mixed income housing. The site includes the parcels located at 5129-35 Frankford Ave, 5119 Frankford Ave, and 5113-17 Frankford Ave. Additionally, SEPTA has expressed interest in including some of their parcels in a future TOD project.The funds will be used towards the construction of the project.

Yea when I first saw the Spread for grants awarded I noted their was no money funded, however like you said it seems there was money given for this project.

So basically septa owns the lots to the S of the lot? But not the supermarket plot itself?

Who owns that and why wouldnt they develop their parcel next to a busy Transportation center.

Im interested to see what the project will look like.

[Jayfar]

Originally Posted by TonyTone

Yea when I first saw the Spread for grants awarded I noted their was no money funded, however like you said it seems there was money given for this project.

So basically septa owns the lots to the S of the lot? But not the supermarket plot itself?

Who owns that and why wouldnt they develop their parcel next to a busy Transportation center.

Im interested to see what the project will look like.

The supermarket plot is the 5129-35 FRANKFORD AVE included in the plan and is owned by Rite Aid. They received the okay for demolition in a hardship hearing at the PHC. I’d be thrilled were the building saved after all. I’m confused by the wording in the Naked Philly piece regarding the building.

[PHLtoNYC]

Originally Posted by steve_phl

Noticed some mockups covering the current Boyd's marquee, so I'm guessing this isn't the final signage.

IMG_5222 by Stephen Henry, on Flickr

I like the theater font, with lights at night that will look snazzy. And a power wash will bring that nice entry back to life.

And looks like the project has a ways to go though. I know the team originally said holiday season, but I think it is pushed to March 2023?

[jaysb]

I had a flashback this morning to the Phila2035 plans the city released around 2010. I loved the details they put into it. Decided to look back through the central one and they've made some decent progress. I'd be curious to see a 'halftime' report or refresh on them. I wonder how much they were being used as a guiding plan.

https://www.phila2035.org/central


Good stuff.

[summersm343]

275-Unit Building Under Construction in University City (really Spruce Hill)

Read/view more here:
http://www.rising.realestate/275-unit-building-under-construction-in-university-city/

[summersm343]

University Place 3.0 is Nearing Completion

Read/view more here:
http://www.rising.realestate/university-place-3-0-is-nearing-completion/

[PhilliesPhan]

I believe construction may be imminent at 9th and Poplar, the site of a downgraded (formerly highrise) Post Brothers project. Not only have I noticed test bore holes on the surface parking lot at 9th and Poplar, but I noticed equipment on site while on the train. I hope we’ll see a large increase in density at that corner soon!

[TonyTone]

Originally Posted by Jayfar

The supermarket plot is the 5129-35 FRANKFORD AVE included in the plan and is owned by Rite Aid. They received the okay for demolition in a hardship hearing at the PHC. I’d be thrilled were the building saved after all. I’m confused by the wording in the Naked Philly piece regarding the building.

Seeing as that they boarded up the building with the tamper proof protection, the inside is probably in ok condition, if they can bring that building up to speed, and work as a supermarket that will be a BIG win for the area along with the other development, there should be a nice midrise to the right of the supermarket or behind it.

Yea that article is a bunch of word soup, I'm sure they meant something else.

Also Rite Aid owns it? was it a Rite aid before it closed, I thought it was a Pathmark before it closed?

[WQ5668]

Originally Posted by TonyTone

Seeing as that they boarded up the building with the tamper proof protection, the inside is probably in ok condition, if they can bring that building up to speed, and work as a supermarket that will be a BIG win for the area along with the other development, there should be a nice midrise to the right of the supermarket or behind it.

Yea that article is a bunch of word soup, I'm sure they meant something else.

Also Rite Aid owns it? was it a Rite aid before it closed, I thought it was a Pathmark before it closed?

Back in the day that supermarket was a Penn Fruit, I had just asked my 79 year old mom who remembers it, there was one on Frankford Ave near Alleghany Ave that got torn down a few years ago I think a Family Dollar got put there.

[TonyTone]

Originally Posted by jaysb

I had a flashback this morning to the Phila2035 plans the city released around 2010. I loved the details they put into it. Decided to look back through the central one and they've made some decent progress. I'd be curious to see a 'halftime' report or refresh on them. I wonder how much they were being used as a guiding plan.

https://www.phila2035.org/central


Good stuff.

A lot of the things in that report were completed, which is very good, that shows the level of investment and seriousness in the city.

Two things I noticed that didn't happen in the report was the Pavilion at the Services Building, and the TSKS In City Hall, I wonder if those projects are awaiting funding or were they tabled, other then that 95% of the report was completed or starting soon.

The cities trajectory has no doubt been all the way up, and it's amazing.

[Jayfar]

Originally Posted by TonyTone

Seeing as that they boarded up the building with the tamper proof protection, the inside is probably in ok condition, if they can bring that building up to speed, and work as a supermarket that will be a BIG win for the area along with the other development, there should be a nice midrise to the right of the supermarket or behind it.

Yea that article is a bunch of word soup, I'm sure they meant something else.

Also Rite Aid owns it? was it a Rite aid before it closed, I thought it was a Pathmark before it closed?

It was Holiday Thriftway in its final years up to about 2016-17, when it closed, but Rite Aid bought the property at some point and became the Thriftway’s landlord. [While atlas shows Rite Aid’s purchase as 2007, it appears from deeds that they owned it earlier, but then sold it c. 2000 and reacquired it in 2007.]

OPA Account # 882096000
OPA Address 5129-35 FRANKFORD AVE
Owners RITE AID OF PENNSYLVANIA
Assessed Value $4,764,700
Sale Date 04/29/2007
Sale Price $3,732,000

Streetview Oct 2016: https://goo.gl/maps/TomvZizn89utz9zZ7
Streetview July 2017: https://goo.gl/maps/4TRVsLTtC43BraZm8

In the fall of 2020 the PHC’s Committee on Financial Hardship, and subsequently the full commission, approved Rite Aid’s application for demolition. The building had been added to the Philadelphia Register in 2016.

Hardship application with exhibits (via wayback machine): https://web.archive.org/web/202207262224...00546/5129-35-Frankford-Ave-hardship.pdf

The City’s website allows download, but not direct linking of archived minutes. They can be downloaded from here: https://document-archive.phila.gov/#/Historical_Commission/Meeting_Minutes

The archived Zoom meetings can be accessed directly, if you like the long version:
Hardship Committee, Oct 27, 2020: https://dpd-public-meetings.s3.amazonaws.com/PHC/FinancialHardship_Oct272020_NEW.mp4
Philadelphia Historical Commission, Nov 13, 2020: https://dpd-public-meetings.s3.amazonaws.com/PHC/Historical_Nov132020.mp4 [skip to 2:30:42 in the recording]

I see Mosaic Development Partners has a page for the proposed development, but not much additional detail: https://www.mosaicdp.com/frankford

[Urbanthusiat]

Originally Posted by TonyTone

The cities trajectory has no doubt been all the way up, and it's amazing.

Sure is! Some more "news" from today to pat ourselves on the back about: Top 20 Cities For STEM Job Growth Announced in RCLCO's 2022 Annual STEMdex

BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading real estate advisory firm RCLCO Real Estate Consulting, announced today the results of their 2022 STEM Job Growth Index (STEMdex), which projects which metropolitan areas will have the strongest outlook for growth in STEM jobs. Published annually since 2016, with the support of light industrial and office investment management firm CapRidge Partners, the STEMdex tracks and projects STEM job growth trends across the country by analyzing the economies of the largest metropolitan areas to understand which regions are attracting the jobs and employees of the future. Read the full report online at: https://www.rclco.com/publication/2022-stem-job-growth-index-stemdex

Philly is ranked 19th. Notably, if you go to the full report...

There was only one new entrant to the Top 20 of the STEMdex this year: Philadelphia, PA. The STEMdex rewards positive economic factors more than it punishes negative factors, and Philadelphia’s entrance into the top 20 says more about their local economy than the city they replaced, Houston, TX. Philadelphia scores above average in STEM Trends, Workforce Quality, and Business Climate.

People are noticing Philly's rise no doubt.

[mcgrath618]

Philadelphia approves its largest historic district in nearly 20 years

https://www.inquirer.com/news/powelton-v...ervation-west-philadelphia-20221114.html

[PHLtoNYC]

Originally Posted by Urbanthusiat

Sure is! Some more "news" from today to pat ourselves on the back about: Top 20 Cities For STEM Job Growth Announced in RCLCO's 2022 Annual STEMdex

Philly is ranked 19th. Notably, if you go to the full report...

People are noticing Philly's rise no doubt.

Excellent news.
Philadelphia has made appearances on many positive lists lately, related to everything STEM. And the momentum doesn't show signs of slowing down.

[PhilliesPhan]

Originally Posted by PhilliesPhan

I believe construction may be imminent at 9th and Poplar, the site of a downgraded (formerly highrise) Post Brothers project. Not only have I noticed test bore holes on the surface parking lot at 9th and Poplar, but I noticed equipment on site while on the train. I hope we’ll see a large increase in density at that corner soon!

Speaking of this, a permit for this property was issued yesterday:

ZP-2022-012074
Nov 14, 2022
900-18 N 8TH ST, Philadelphia, PA 19123-1304
POPLAR DEVELOPMENT PROPER 5

To abandon ZP-2020-008506-use permit (equipment and material storage yard) issued 11/5/2020. To Document the current use of the property see CP-2020-002954-issued 5/26/2021-new construction , 5 story bldg with 60 dwelling units. - to obtain a correct property certification statement.

Additionally, a permit was issued for 619 North Broad:

ZP-2021-016023
Nov 14, 2022
619-29 N BROAD ST, Philadelphia, PA 19123-2417
619 BROAD HOLDING LLC 5

Project is comprised of a new construction six-story + basement, mixed-use building with a roof deck for use by residential tenants. Project to contain (34) accessory off-street underground parking spaces in the basement, including (1) ADA space and (1) ADA van space. Project will contain (2) commercial tenant spaces at the first floor and (119) total residential units at the first through sixth floors. The first floor will also contain residential amenities, residential support spaces, trash and (1) loading spot. Basement will contain underground parking, utilities, storage and (40) class 1A bicycle parking spaces. No new signs as part of this application.

Finally, while taking the train, I noticed that the former Althea Gibson tennis center at 11th and Girard has been demolished. Looks like part 2 of 1000-38 West Girard is about to begin. Now, if only that single-story strip mall on the 1100 block of Girard could bite the dust...

[BroadandMarket]

It's such a no brainer for Septa to open a regional station around 9th and Girard where the tracks already go and where a station used to be. Sadly this beautiful station was demolished at some point (along with a lot of this area).

Station:


Girard Ave Farmers Market:

[TonyTone]

Originally Posted by BroadandMarket

It's such a no brainer for Septa to open a regional station around 9th and Girard where the tracks already go and where a station used to be. Sadly this beautiful station was demolished at some point (along with a lot of this area).

Station:


Girard Ave Farmers Market:

Why did that area dedensify ? Was it result of the Station being removed or did something happen to the area.

[McBane]

Originally Posted by BroadandMarket

It's such a no brainer for Septa to open a regional station around 9th and Girard where the tracks already go and where a station used to be. Sadly this beautiful station was demolished at some point (along with a lot of this area).

No disrespect to these beautiful buildings that are no longer with us but what's exactly at 9th and Girard that a train station is needed? The area's biggest destination is Temple, which already has a stop and is only a few blocks north.

Remember, Regional Rail, whether by design or not, is primarily used to shuttle commuters from the suburbs to Center City. Having said that, a stop here would not really benefit the community - the area is better served by buses and the BSL, which run more often and is like half the price. For suburban commuters and SEPTA leadership, few would use the stop and it would just end up lengthening commutes.

Just because the infrastructure is partially there doesn't make it feasible or a worthy investment.

[DeltaNerd]

Originally Posted by McBane

Remember, Regional Rail, whether by design or not, is primarily used to shuttle commuters from the suburbs to Center City. Having said that, a stop here would not really benefit the community - the area is better served by buses and the BSL, which run more often and is like half the price. For suburban commuters and SEPTA leadership, few would use the stop and it would just end up lengthening commutes.

Just because the infrastructure is partially there doesn't make it feasible or a worthy investment.

I disagree with this thinking. We need to transform RR from a 9-5 model to all day service model serving the whole region. RR is lagging behind on recovering ridership and the pandemic sped up the whole idea that 9-5 is not the primary reason to use RR. While we not add a stop to Girard we need more connections to Temple station. It's very disconnected from the bus network.