Philly YIMBY’s recent site visit has observed that construction is complete at a four-story, six-unit residential building at 1108-12 Sigel Street in Wharton, South Philadelphia, since we last stopped by in January. The structure replaces a single-story, warehouse-style commercial building on the south end of the block located between South 11th and South Sartain streets. The development will include parking for four cars and 11 bicycles, as well as a roof deck. Permits list Diantonio & Bongiovanni B. as the owners, Timothy Kerner as the design professional, and Diantonio & Bongiovanni LLC as the contractor, indicating that the structure will be constructed by the owner. Construction costs are specified at $600,000.
1108-12 Sigel Street. Photo by Jamie Meller
1108-12 Sigel Street. Photo by Jamie Meller
1108-12 Sigel Street. Photo by Jamie Meller
Our January visit found the warehouse demolished and the site cleared and ready for excavation. In the half a year since, the structure has rapidly shot up to its full height and received most of its cladding, a feat made all the more impressive by the cramped access conditions within the narrow cul-de-sac with uneven street pavement. The building looks reasonably attractive, sporting a white and gray facade with tall windows and balconies sat within a dark-paneled niche.
The building brings notable change block as the first mid-rise residential structure to go up on what was previously an all-commercial stretch. Both the Tasker-Morris and Snyder Station on the Broad Street Line may be reached within a ten-minute walk to the northwest and the southwest, respectively.
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The lighted balconies, 3-D front facade, use of brick, large ground floor windows and glass doors, wall sconces, a hint of a cornice, and hidden utility meters are all positives.
There are two negatives, however. Aren’t there always negatives? First, the solid metal garage door. Even though there are ten other metal doors on the block and the prior building had one as well, solid metal doors practically scream “don’t come here – it’s not safe”. Even fenestrated slatted doors are less hostile, and of course, non-metal doors are even friendlier. All this in a safe residential neighborhood and on an apartment house with glass front doors. Why protect cars but not people?
The other negative is the yellow bollards, presumably meant to prevent sidewalk parking so the pedestrian has safe passage. In addition to being ugly, one already damaged and leaning at an angle, they are ineffective. Witness the van parked on the sidewalk next door, completely blocking the walkway and forcing the pedestrian into the street.
Agreed with what the guy above said….but I’ll take it. Better a few negatives on a beautiful building than all negatives on the properties between which it stands.
Agree with that PHILLY.