Philadelphia YIMBY’s recent site visit has revealed that demolition has been completed and the site has been cleared for construction of a four-story, 12-unit mixed-use building at 1538 Frankford Avenue (alternately1538-44 Frankford Avenue) in Fishtown. The development is situated on the west side of the block between Jefferson and East Oxford streets. Designed by KJO Architecture, the project will span 23,741 square feet, which includes 5,829 square feet of retail. The building will be fully sprinkled and will feature a roof deck, which promises to offer reasonably open skyline vistas. Permits list Optimal Construction Group as the contractor and a construction cost of $2.4 million.
1538-44 Frankford Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. March 2023
1538-44 Frankford Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. March 2023
1538-44 Frankford Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. March 2023
The development replaces four two- to three-story mixed-use prewar rowhouses, all apparently dating to various periods. Arguably, only the building at 1540 Frankford Avenue offered any preservation value, with its hipped roof and small dormer showcasing classic Federal style. But even here, the white-washed, ornament-free structure appeared rather dilapidated, with a facade that displayed water damage, so it hardly warranted preservation efforts; even less positives may be noted about the three other buildings.
1538-44 Frankford Avenue prior to demolition. Looking west. Credit: Google Maps
Since our last site visit, the structure has topped out and its distinctive serrated massing already makes a unique impression on the avenue. The avant-garde, Streamline Moderne-inspired look makes for a good fit for the block, where a number of unabashedly Modernist buildings have been constructed in recent years. Moreover, the proposal’s brown exterior, separation into discrete vertical masses, and tall, narrow windows all pay stylistic homage to the prewar buildings that still remain on the block.
Rendering of 1538 Frankford Avenue. Credit: KJO Architecture.
Rendering of 1538 Frankford Avenue. Credit: KJO Architecture.
1538 Frankford Avenue is an attractive development that promises to deliver sophisticated architecture to the block while contributing brand new retail and notable residential density. We are happy to see progress at the site, and hope to observe the start of construction in the near future.
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I wonder how large is the storefront retail rental space, all of 5,800 sqft or is it possible to rent less space