Permits have been issued for the 29-unit renovation and expansion at the Engine 29 Firehouse, located at 1221-25 North 4th Street in Olde Kensington. The existing building stands three stories tall, while the new addition to the rear will rise five stories. The ground floor of the existing firehouse will be renovated to create commercial space, while the upper floors will be converted into nine residential units. Designed by Continuum Architecture, the new addition will allow the development to include an additional 20 residential units and parking space. The project will include parking for 14 cars and 15 bicycles.
Rendering of 1221-25 North 4th Street. Credit: Continuum Architecture.
The new portion of the building features a very attractive design that matches that of the existing firehouse. Brick will be used as the primary material, covering nearly entirety of the street-facing exterior save for a cantilevered window section that will feature a tarnished-copper look that matches the cornice and adds a quality to the design that is unlike just about any other new development in the city. A red garage door is another gesture that will reference the design of the existing structure.
It is a major positive to see the firehouse preserved. The historic building features a stunning brownstone and red brick with intricate details that are unmatched by modern construction. An incredible patterned cornice caps the building. Arched windows and doorways are present throughout the exterior, in some instances also paired with cylindrical columns.
Current view of 1221-25 North 4th Street. Credit: Google.
Rendering of 1221-25 North 4th Street. Credit: Continuum Architecture.
The new development will be a great addition for the neighborhood, adding 29 residential units and commercial space to a property that currently does not include either. The retail space will be especially interesting, located on the ground floor of the beautiful old building, as it will greatly enhance the pedestrian experience in the surrounding area. The residential density, meanwhile, will help support local businesses and increase population near prime transit arteries (the Route 15 trolley runs half a block to the south on Girard Avenue and the Girard Station on the Market-Frankford line is located several bocks to the east).
No completion is known for the project at this time.
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Who is the general contractor? Has it started?
Glad they aren’t going to mess with the facade!!
who is the gc for this project??