Construction has been completed on Dwell 2nd Street, a massive development located at 1300-54 North 2nd Street in Olde Kensington, North Philadelphia. The development will hold 198 residential units within three buildings. Retail will be located on the ground floor, and a courtyard is situated in the center. A pool, dog park, bocce courts, a pavilion area, and a parking garage are among the amenities.
Current view of the project. Credit: Colin LeStourgeon.
The buildings turned out close to what the renderings suggested, with a modern design that stands out from the surroundings. White and gray cladding serve as the primary materials/features of the façade, with the gray cladding located on very subtle jut outs. Certain sections of the buildings feature balconies hanging out from their structures and helping create a unique street environment. Small brown colored cladding serve as accents for the buildings. The ground floor of the structures feature floor to ceiling windows, helping advertise the retail spaces located inside.
Current view of the project. Credit: Colin LeStourgeon.
The buildings have been welcoming residents for some time, signaling that the project is coming to a close. The only portion that remains is the opening of a small public plaza located at the intersection of American Street and Thompson Street. The plaza will serve as the entrance to North American Street, which is gearing up to be one of the most vibrant commercial corridors in the city. Outdoor seating will be situated at the plaza. Retail will attract some of the first new businesses to open up on the corridor.
The project is located just northeast of Liberty Square another massive development that YIMBY recently shared with readers. When that project’s public walkway opens up, a long string of green space and public area will be available along American Street, and will likely increase the already high desirability of the neighborhood.
Current view of the project. Credit: Colin LeStourgeon.
Although the project makes great use of the land, the project could have covered even more ground and added a fourth building or perhaps simply make the existing three much larger. The northwest corner of the lot is currently home to a grass field and small surface lot, reminiscent to the massive grass field that the project replaced. The property was formerly home to an industrial property coming off of the freight rail line that used to run down the center of American Street, which is now being converted into garden space. The massive density boost is certainly a step in the right direction for the future of the commercial corridor.
Current view of the project. Credit: Colin LeStourgeon.
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Missed opportunity. This should be 45 stories. At least. Only real Philadelphians understand this.