Following the logical descending order of Philadelphia YIMBY’s ongoing “category spotlight” series, which looks at some of the new article categories we introduced at the start of the year, the final category among the unit-count groups goes to new single-family houses. When possible, we tend to focus on larger development, yet to property reflect the reality of the city’s real estate market, on occasion we cover a few of the numerous single-family projects that are proposed, under construction, and recently completed around the city. In his brilliant 2019 book The North Atlantic Cities, author Charles Duff calls Philadelphia as the greatest rowhouse city in the United States, putting it ahead of behemoths such as New York, Boston, and Baltimore. As most of the newly-built single-family houses are of the rowhouse variety, this category highlights the city’s enduring centuries-old vernacular tradition even if much of this new construction is styled in a contemporary manner. Please see below for a few examples from our recent publications.
539 West Berks Street
539 West Berks Street via the development team
Featured article: Construction Complete At Three-Story Rowhouse At 539 West Berks Street Near Temple University In North Philadelphia East
In August 2020, Philly YIMBY reported that a zoning permit has been filed for the construction of a three-story single-family rowhouse at 539 West Berks Street near Temple University in North Philadelphia East. More than a year later, the structure stands complete. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom residence was sold last December for $500,000. The structure replaces a vacant lot on the north side of the block between North 5th and North 6th streets and holds 3,416 square feet of interior space. Features include a basement and a roof deck, which offers largely unobstructed views of the surrounding area.
2023 Oakford Street
2023 Oakford Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2022
Featured article: Construction Complete At Three-Story Rowhouse At 2023 Oakford Street In Point Breeze, South Philadelphia
A three-story single-family rowhouse stands complete at 2023 Oakford Street in Point Breeze, South Philadelphia, as YIMBY’s recent site visit revealed. The building rises from a 600-square-foot footprint and boasts 2,000 square feet of interior space, full sprinkling, and a roof deck that overlooks the Center City skyline.
1831 South 4th Street
1831 South 4th Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2022
Featured article: Construction Complete Of Single-Family Rowhouse At 1831 South 4th Street In Wharton, South Philadelphia
Construction has been finished at a three-story, single-family rowhouse at 1831 South 4th Street in Wharton, South Philadelphia, as revealed by Philly YIMBY’s recent site visit. The structure replaces a vacant site at the northeast corner of Sough 4th and Sigel streets and includes a cellar and a roof deck, which likely offers open vistas due to the building’s relatively prominent height.
1238 North Howard Street
1238 North Howard Street. Building elevation and section. Credit: Interface Studio Architects LLC via the City of Philadelphia
Featured article: Rowhouse Construction Anticipated At 1238 North Howard Street In Fishtown
In October 2020, Philadelphia YIMBY reported that permits have been filed for a single-family rowhouse at 1238 North Howard Street near the junction of Fishtown and Olde Kensington. Our recent site visit has revealed that no construction has taken place since, though an updated construction permit issued this January indicates that the project is still under development. Designed by Interface Studio Architects and developed by Callahan Ward (which also serves as the contractor), the building will rise three stories plus basement, span 1,539 square feet, and feature a back yard and a roof deck.
1238 North Howard Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. March 2022
2141 Catharine Street
2141 Catharine Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2022
Featured article: Single-Family Rowhouse Complete At 2141 Catharine Street In Graduate Hospital, South Philadelphia
Philly YIMBY’s recent site visit has confirmed the completion of a three-story single-family rowhouse at 2141 Catharine Street in Graduate Hospital, South Philadelphia. The property replaces a two-story prewar rowhouse on the north side of the block between South 21st and South 22nd streets. The structure features full sprinkling, a basement, and a roof deck.
To see more similar developments, please visit the category page:
Single-family
Please note that the category page only includes a minority of relevant projects because the category was introduced relatively recently, and articles published before the start of the year are omitted.
You may see a full listing of categories for any given article at the bottom.
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So it seems that the developers have no taste and no concern about having their designs fit in with the existing buildings which surrounds them.
They are “ugly” and look out of place in the neighborhoods. Ever consider brick as material of choice? Probably not enough profit margin for developers!