A recent site visit by Philly YIMBY has observed that construction work is complete at Ridge Flats, a five-story mixed-use project rising at 4300-26 Ridge Avenue in East Falls, Northwest Philadelphia. Designed by Morris Adjmi Architects, the 180,879-square-foot development will contain around 10,000 square feet of retail space, 142 residential units, 117 partially covered surface parking spaces, and a green roof. Permits list Kinsley Construction as the contractor. The construction cost is stated at $30.5 million.
4300-26 Ridge Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. September 2023
4300-26 Ridge Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. September 2023
4300-26 Ridge Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. September 2023
4300-26 Ridge Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. September 2023
4300-26 Ridge Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. September 2023
Our visit found the block-sized mid-rise structure standing complete, with no visible signs of work remaining aside from some construction cones and fencing. Similar in scale to some of the other new buildings erected in the area in recent years, Ridge Flats boasts a red and beige facade that, although plain in execution, maintains certain aspects of traditional vernacular, such as an earth-toned red hued exterior reminiscent in color of classic brick construction, large factory loft-sized windows, and gently recessed transom panels between the windows.
The ground-floor retail space features nearly double-height ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. The frontage facing Calumet Street features a sizable cantilever that widens the sidewalk approach to the adjacent Falls Bridge over the Schuylkill River.
Ridge Flats will bring a massive transformation to an important site spanning between two major thoroughfares at the banks of the Schuylkill River. Its high density, justified by a short walking distance to the East Falls regional rail station, coupled with expansive ground-level frontage, will contribute to creating a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly streetscape in what used to be, until recently, a forlorn stretch in one of the city’s most storied and picturesque neighborhoods.
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With all these new apartment buildings, I wish them luck filling it. Also, with the commercial units across Ridge avenue remaining empty for more than 10 years, I hope Ridge Flats has better luck and has parking for the commercial areas. And thank you for making it brick colored. I’m not a fan of cubes and sad the units have no balconies, the color makes it palatable.
I built more exciting looking buildings with my legos as a kid, it is just one big drab block of bland, there is not one thing that is visually interesting, especially at the street level. It might as well be out in an office complex in great valley or Exton, or route 202 between West Chester and Wilmington.
I would love for them to put an aldi or lidl or trader Joe’s in the first floor commercial space. Would love to be able to walk to go grab groceries and I feel that would actually attract pedestrian traffic as other folks would also like that.
Nice views of a gas station…Another Lego Land building, just like the other boring buildings further up the Ridge in Roxborough…Sad