Permits have been issued for the construction of a four-unit multi-family structure at 1729 Francis Street in Francisville, North Philadelphia. When completed, the building will rise three stories tall and will feature a roof deck with a pilot house. In total, the building will hold 4,698 square feet of space, with construction costs estimated at $165,000, according to the permit.
Current view of 1729 Francis Street. Credit: Google.
The new multi-family building is replacing an existing, three-story rowhome that features a brick exterior with stonework located above windows and a cornice. While the building is designed in a historic style that matches the original homes in the area, it appears that the building was actually built much later, or at least had its original facade replaced with the current iteration.
The permit filing further solidifies Francisville as one of Philadelphia’s leading neighborhoods in terms of new construction and shows that the its development market continues to grow even stronger. The existing home at the site may not be the most extravagant building in the neighborhood, but it still efficiently uses the ground space. The new building will present an even more efficient use by adding three residential units to the property. Though this is a relatively minor increase, it demonstrates the high pent-up demand for the neighborhood that leads to tearing down an existing home, as adding three more units to the property is a practical move.
Transit access is offered via a short walk to the east to the Broad Street Line at Fairmount Station. Residents may also enjoy a large green space located less than a block away at the Francisville Recreation Center.
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
This neighborhood doesn’t follow the original grid pattern that William Penn had established for the city, but that’s okay because Ridge Avenue disrupts your neighborhood with uneven city blocks in a rather abstract way where most people would somehow accept it.
You didn’t expect any parking, did you?
Perhaps a nice grassy front lawn or some trees?
Well, at least you won’t be bothered by lawn mowers waking you out of your sleep.
But hey, at least you have a SEPTA bus route 2 on 17th Street (nothing on your street, sorry). But if you can walk a few city blocks east on Fairmount Avenue, you can catch the Broad Street Line or the Broad-Ridge Spur.
Cheer up, it’s not all bad.
You have a playground nearby and you can see the skyline from your new neighborhood.
Have fun!! 😀