Permits have been issued for a mixed-use renovation of the Willow Steam Plant at 411-19 North 9th Street in Callowhill. The eight-story structure will be retrofitted with commercial space and restaurant at the ground floor, along with eight residential units. The upper floors will hold 61 additional residential units. Total renovated space will span 76,806 square feet. Parallel Architecture is the firm behind the renovation.
411-19 North 9th Street. Credit: Parallel Architecture.
411-19 North 9th Street. Credit: Google.
The building is among the most unique in Philadelphia and has garnered much attention and interest due to its abandoned state. The main structural component of the building is clad in red brick and features large industrial windows. Some portions of the structure are clad in vertical metal paneling. Perhaps most notable, however, are the three large steam stacks at the top of the structure, which will be preserved as part of the new development.
411-19 North 9th Street. Credit: Google.
The building has sat unused since the 1970s, yet has avoided demolition during the period. The structure’s scale and unique massing draws lots of attention, and as such a strong argument for its preservation even in spite of its struggling condition. For these reasons, it is exciting to see actual renovation plans moving forward. The building has the opportunity to become quite a landmark not just for the surrounding area, but the city as a whole, and holds much potential in the use of the future commercial space.
411-19 North 9th Street. Credit: Google.
Additionally, the development presents an improvement for the surrounding area. 69 new residential units represents a large density boost in an area unfortunately riddled with vacant properties, and when combined with the two new commercial spaces, the project should breathe life to surrounding blocks and could stimulate the development of a stronger commercial district.
411-19 North 9th Street. Credit: Google.
YIMBY will continue to track progress made on the development moving forward.
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I never thought I would see the day that this building would actually be repurposed. It sits in such a highly visible location as a reminder of years past. What a great piece of news. I can’t wait to see the commercial space when completed.
They be 3 smoke stacks, not steam stacks. The steam went out underground and the smoke went up the chimneys. Nice re-use.
Adaptive reuse is the best. Great project.
I’m most likely the only person here who has ever been inside that building. A full respirator suit was mandatory and I remember the feds said the ground was contaminated down to almost 75 feet. So if this conversation goes thru even with their minimal cleanup I expect the first cancer case about 2030