Permits have been issued for the renovation of a 103-unit multi-family development at 1700-06 North Howard Street in Olde Kensington. Designed by Coscia Moos, the structure will rise six stories, with commercial space on the ground floor, a roof deck, 35 parking spaces, and 50 bicycle spaces. In total, the building will hold 90,405 square feet of space and cost an estimated $13.79 million to build.
Rendering of 1700 Howard Street. Credit: Coscia Moos.
The development will feature an attractive exterior preserve an existing historic industrial structure at the southeast corner of the property. This existing building stands three stories tall with a stately brick exterior and a gabled facade. The structure will feature new floor-to-ceiling windows with canopies welcoming passing pedestrians into the planned commercial space.
The new addition will feature a modern exterior and utilize a wide mixture of materials. Brickwork will be situated to the west of the existing industrial building, with sleek edges and large windows providing a modern touch. To the north, a variety of materials will be used including different shades of gray cladding and brickwork. Also on the western portion of the building will be a fence that will block the planned parking area off from the street. Sprucing up the blank wall, renderings show vines being planted to add greenery near the sidewalk.
Aerial view of 1700 North Howard Street. Credit: Google.
As seem in the above image, the existing industrial building is not in great condition, having been abandoned for a long time. With the neighborhood rapidly developing, it was just a matter of time before the property received attention. Aside from the notable portion of the building to the southeast, the rest of the structure will be demolished. This is not a notable loss, as the structure has been as an eyesore during its vacancy.
The new building will significantly transform the property, replacing a dull abandoned industrial complex with a vibrant mixed-use structure. The density will help support the many businesses located around the area.
Rendering of 1700 North Howard Street. Credit: Coscia Moos.
Rendering of 1700 North Howard Street. Credit: Coscia Moos.
No completion date is known for the project at this time, though construction may be finished by 2022 or 2023.
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Compared to the original structure, this (my opinion) is a very appealing design choice.
It was thoughtful to develop for the people by including parking into the redevelopment of this property.
Although there is no direct SEPTA service to Cecil B. Moore Avenue (originally Columbia Avenue), just two city blocks north, then a city block to the east provides access to the Berks Street station of the Market-Frankford Line.
I couldn’t find any shopping options whatsoever along the historic Kensington Avenue in this area.
While it is a nice property, without shopping or dining in the local area, this is not a desirable location (my opinion is my right to freedom of speech).
Thanks for the post Colin. Coscia Moos’ excellence continues, this project a combination of gorgeous adaptive reuse and attractive new construction. Spectacular roof deck views alone make this an appealing living spot. In addition to the building’s ground floor retail, Frankford Avenue’s shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment options are only a 5 minute walk away (700 feet; four short blocks). Front St., although less developed, is even closer. South Kensington continues to flourish.