In March, Philly YIMBY has reported that façade work is nearing completion at a four-story, 42-unit mixed-use building at 1422 Point Breeze Avenue in Point Breeze, South Philadelphia. Our latest visit has shown minor new construction progress over the course of the past two months, with the building still inching toward completion. Designed by JKRP Architects and developed by OCF Realty, the building spans 43,400 square feet and includes ground-floor retail space that will contribute to the existing commercial corridor along the avenue. Other features include an elevator, a roof deck, resident storage in the basement, and full sprinkling. Permits list G & M Efestos Contracting Inc. as the contractor and a construction cost of $7 million.
1422 Point Breeze Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. May 2022
1420 Point Breeze Avenue. Credit: JKRP Architects
Also known as 1420 Point Breeze Avenue, the finished product is a very close match to the schematic renderings. Just as promised, the rather plain yet not unattractive structure sports a brick facade, large windows, and shallow, asymmetrically-arranged balconies The only notable difference is the absence of alternating secondary-material piers and transoms between certain windows, but this change may be for the better, as it makes for a less fussy facade.
When it comes to plain facades, high materials and careful assembly are key, and thankfully the development team has produced an attractive, reasonably high-quality brick facade that is an asset to a somewhat drab surrounding streetscape. The addition of lintels beneath windows is also a pleasant, traditionally-styled touch. We would, however, have liked to see the primary entrance to appear as elaborate as the one on renders.
1422 Point Breeze Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. May 2022
1422 Point Breeze Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. May 2022
1422 Point Breeze Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. May 2022
When we last visited the site in March, the building has appeared largely complete, with work focused on interior fittings and the ground level exterior and sidewalk. Since that time, little has changed, with the most significant addition being the installation of large storefront windows at the ground level.
Although the design is rather reserved, it is still a significant improvement over the single-story supermarket that formerly stood at the site. The new development at 1422 Point Breeze Avenue effectively replicates the former retail space at the site while updating it to modern standards, and adds a notable number of new residential units.
Point Breeze boasts plenty of preservation-worthy buildings, particularly of the rowhouse variety, which we wish to see remain standing not only for their architectural qualities, but also so that they continue to house the neighborhood’s long-established working-class community. However, plenty of other properties are also ripe for redevelopment similar to that at 1422 Point Breeze Avenue, which would upgrade existing retail amenities, offer new housing options for local residents, and bring newcomers to the community.
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Looks very nice!