A recent site visit by Philadelphia YIMBY has observed significant construction progress at a four-story, 12-unit mixed-use development 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 specify a construction cost of $2.4 million.
1538-44 Frankford Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. July 2023
1538-44 Frankford Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. July 2023
1538-44 Frankford Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. July 2023
1538-44 Frankford Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. July 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
The avant-garde, Streamline Moderne-inspired look makes for a good fit for the block, where a number of contemporary-styled 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.
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