Construction Underway at 1712 Christian Street in Graduate Hospital, South Philadelphia

A recent site visit by Philly YIMBY has observed that construction is underway at a two-building, six-unit complex at 1712 Christian Street in Graduate Hospital, South Philadelphia. The project replaces two three-story prewar rowhouses on a through-block lot that stretches from Christian Street to the north to Montrose Street to the south. Designed by Moto Designshop, the development will consist of two rowhouses situated at either end of the site, each rising three stories and featuring three units, with a 33-foot-long rear yard in between. Both structures will feature rear and roof decks. Permits list Made Construction as the contractor and a construction cost of $400,000.

Last August, our visit had found the demolition complete and the site cleared, although construction had not yet begun. Since that time, construction has reached the second floor.

1712 Christian Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. April 2023

1712 Christian Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. April 2023

The rowhouse that stood on Christian Street was rather unremarkable as it was clad in generic, non-historic formstone, although a restoration may have uncovered its original red brick facade, had it been undertaken. Notably, this end of the site faces a historic marker dedicated to John C. Ashbury, who resided at , or adjacent to, the location, citing his years of life from 1862 through 1941 and describing him as a “prominent African-American Republican who as legislator sponsored a statewide Civil Rights bill in 1921 that served as a model for future efforts. He was a philanthropist, a founder of Eden Cemetery and Mercy Hospital, and editor of the Odd Fellows’ Journal.”

1712 Christian Street. Zoning submission. Credit: Moto Designshop via the City of Philadelphia

1712 Christian Street prior to demolition. Looking south from Christian Street. Credit: Google Maps

Although more drab in appearance, the rowhouse facing Montrose Street was arguably more appealing, as it sported a gritty, whitewash-stained red brick facade, with characteristic star bolts, paneled windows, and a green bracketed cornice. As both structures could have likely been renovated and expanded at the top and the rear, it is unfortunate that both were torn down only to be replaced with buildings of virtually identical scale and density.

Renovation, as opposed to wholesale demolition and ground-up construction, generally offers significant construction savings. On the other hand, such work typically comes with its own expenses and challenges, and this is where the city ought to step in with financial incentives and expertise provision for work that restores and incorporates existing prewar buildings into new development, especially when the project at hand offers only a marginal increase in floor area, as appears to be the case at 1712 Christian Street.

In either case, 1712 Christian street will make for a contextual addition to the site, at least in terms relation to the neighboring structures.

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