A recent site visit by Philly YIMBY has noted that construction work has still not begun at a 175-unit mixed-use development at 4401 Ridge Avenue in East Falls, Northwest Philadelphia. Designed by Oombra Architects and developed by Atapco Properties, the development will span 178,837 square feet and feature 34 studios, 117 one-bedrooms units, and 34 two-bedroom apartments. A total of 4,760 square feet of commercial space will be located on the ground floor on Ridge Avenue, as well as 2,200 square feet of outdoor space. A 8,100-square-foot roof deck and a 3,400-square-foot green roof will be located atop the building. The project will also offer parking for 189 cars and 62 bicycles.
![4401 Ridge Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. November 2022](https://phillyyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/4401_Ridge_Avenue_2022-11-7-1.jpg)
4401 Ridge Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. November 2022
![4401 Ridge Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. November 2022](https://phillyyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/4401_Ridge_Avenue_2022-11-7-4.jpg)
4401 Ridge Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. November 2022
![4401 Ridge Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. November 2022](https://phillyyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/4401_Ridge_Avenue_2022-11-7-3.jpg)
4401 Ridge Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. November 2022
![4401 Ridge Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. November 2022](https://phillyyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/4401_Ridge_Avenue_2022-11-7-2.jpg)
4401 Ridge Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. November 2022
The structure will cascade down a steep bluff that overlooks the Schuylkill River, located a block to the southwest. The building’s sprawling roof decks will overlook the river and the surrounding rolling hills, while its ground-level retail will reinforce the emerging commercial corridor and provide a much-needed shopping destination within walking distance to the medium-density, car-oriented district located immediately uphill.
Despite its overall nine-story height, the sloped site ensures that most sections only rise around five or so stories. The added density is further justified by the five-minute walking distance to the East Falls station.
![4401 Ridge Avenue. Credit: Oombra Architects.](https://phillyyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Ridge-13.png)
4401 Ridge Avenue. Credit: Oombra Architects.
![4401 Ridge Avenue. Credit: Oombra Architects.](https://phillyyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Ridge-14.png)
4401 Ridge Avenue. Credit: Oombra Architects.
![4401 Ridge Avenue. Credit: Oombra Architects.](https://phillyyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Ridge-15.png)
4401 Ridge Avenue. Credit: Oombra Architects.
![4401 Ridge Avenue. Credit: Oombra Architects.](https://phillyyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/92C8301D-F681-4D90-80CA-E450297158EE.jpeg)
4401 Ridge Avenue. Credit: Oombra Architects.
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What is the hold up of the project? Did they get permits or not? Is this a by right project?
A few weeks ago, East Falls Community Council received notice from PHA that the zoning application for this project had been withdrawn and PHA no longer has a contract with Atapco for development of this site.
Interesting. It could be opposition to building on a slope from those threatening to make the project a lot more complicated than necessary. Having PHA owning the tract invited such criticism to materialize. Had the tract been privately owned, they wouldn’t have any problems in building on site.