Permits Issued for 897 Belmont Avenue in Belmont, West Philadelphia

Permits have been issued for the construction of a four-story, ten-unit mixed-use building at 897 Belmont Avenue (with a full address of 893-97 Belmont Avenue) in Belmont, West Philadelphia. The development will rise from a vacant lot at the southeast corner of Belmont and Westminster avenues. Designed by Designblendz, the structure will span 14,252 square feet, which includes ground-level commercial space. Permits list Aimes LLC as the contractor and indicate a construction cost of $850,000.

897 Belmont Avenue. Credit; Designblendz via the City of Philadelphia

897 Belmont Avenue. Credit; Designblendz via the City of Philadelphia

897 Belmont Avenue will rise on a predominantly residential block lined with ornate three-story prewar rowhouses. The building’s 43-foot height, which will climb five feet above the local height limit as a zoning bonus for the inclusion of two affordable residences, is generally consistent with the surroundings, and even its slight prominence makes for an appropriate visual centerpiece for the corner. The lower levels will be clad in brick, which will gradually make way for horizontal fiber cement siding on the upper floors. Metal panels will encase street-facing cantilevers, several of which will feature loggia balconies (ordinary balconies will be included in the project, as well). Wooden siding, used inside the balconies and as accents on the primary facade, will likely add a rather uncommon, warm and tactile touch to the building exterior.

The ground-level retail space, made inviting via large glass entryways and storefronts, will serve as an extension to the commercial corridor along Lancaster Avenue, which runs a short block to the southwest. The route 10 trolley that runs along the avenue offers a short ride to University City, situated nearby to the south, and beyond. The 43 and 64 buses also stop within a block of the development.

897 Belmont Avenue. Credit; Designblendz via the City of Philadelphia

897 Belmont Avenue. Credit; Designblendz via the City of Philadelphia

897 Belmont Avenue is situated directly west of 4300 Westminster Avenue, an education facility that contains the Miller School, the Crossroads Accelerated Academy, and the Kidz Academy; depending on resident, such adjacency is either a boon or a detriment; however, the location can hardly be said to be lacking in educational, retail, or transit amenities in the vicinity.

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