Philadelphia YIMBY has recently visited Ludlow 43, a recently completed residential building at 12-14 South 43rd Street in Spruce Hill, West Philadelphia. The building rises six stories and 76 feet tall, making it one of the larger buildings in the area. The development features 18 residential units, which include eight one-bedrooms, five two-bedroom, three three-bedroom, and two four-bedroom apartments. Also featured in the development will be five parking spaces, a fitness center, and a roof deck.
12-14 South 43rd Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2023
The developer purchased the 3,877-square-foot lot at the northwest corner of South 43rd street and Ludlow Street over two years ago. The three-story rowhouse at the corner was demolished some time between late 2018 and mid 2019. Today, the structure’s exterior is mostly assembled, with work remaining on the ground floor and façade panel installation on the floors above.
The building rises prominently over the surrounding area, so its upper floors and roof deck will feature sweeping skyline views of University City to the east and Center City beyond, at least until the large vacant site catty-corner to the project is eventually developed. Such development is likely as the site sits within close proximity to University City and about a 15-minute walk to both University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, with Penn Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia located slightly further to the southeast.
In recent years, University City has witnessed a development boom that continues to this day, where developments such as Schuylkill Yards will alter the skyline in the near future. Development is spilling over into adjacent neighborhoods such as Spruce Hill.
The prominent structure makes a strong emphasis upon the street corner, adds a significant number of apartments to an in-demand area, and does so in an attractive, if understated, manner. Robust exterior articulation with slanted cantilevers makes up for a lack of derailing and ornament. As such, Ludlow 43 is a positive addition to the neighborhood.
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Large ground floor windows suggest a retail component, which would contribute to Spruce Hill’s vitality.
I thought this was still under construction from the first picture…saying this won’t age well is an understatement
BAAAARF!