A recent site visit by Philly YIMBY has observed that construction remains stalled at near-completion at a three-story, five-unit multi-family structure at 1825 West Diamond Street in the Temple University area in North Philadelphia. The new building will replace a vacant lot. Designed by KCA Design Associates, the building will hold 7,240 square feet of space and cost an estimated $1 million to build. 1825 Diamond Street LLC is the listed owner.
1825 West Diamond Street. Photo by Jamie Meller
Two properties to the east, permits were issued for a five-unit building at 1829 West Diamond Street, also designed by KCA Design Associates, which YIMBY shared with readers back in February. Between the two projects, ten residential units are set be added to the block, a major density increase that is a a part of the neighborhood’s continued growth.
When YIMBY last visited the site in March, we found the project nearly complete yet boarded up at the ground level. When we visited the site most recently, however, we found the property in roughly the same condition as we did nearly a year ago. We hope to see construction pick up pace again in the near future.
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I believe these houses are renovations, not new construction! No new construction would add the details that are on these buildings.
Nope. Brand new construction. Both lots were vacant lots as recently as in 2019.
Not meaning to argue, but look at the brick side of the two houses, details no builder would do today, like the brick dentals near the roof….
Take a look at Google Maps. The two structures were constructed after June 2019.
You mean someone built these houses to look like the originals, complete with the architectural details? I find that hard to believe after seeing all of the city’s current, boring construction. More power to whoever did this and I hope they can finish the houses!
“details no builder would do today”
Correction: details *almost* no builder would do today
Sometimes there are pleasant surprises
@Susan: They have to include some details–that block is in the Diamond Street Historic District, and permits for new construction (as well as renovations or other work that might change the appearance of a property) need to be approved by the city Historical Commission and Architectural Committee.
Example on the next block: 1934 W Diamond, new construction that clearly resembles the old.
I don’t know if that is true or not but YIMBY needs to contact the developer/builder and ask for an update and ETC.
Agree! Kudos to this developer whose work echoes and enhances existing surrounding architecture. Would love to see this kind of work expanded to more new construction in Philadelphia.
How about an article on this particular developer’s philosophy?
I rent down the street and learned that they are required to meet certain design requirements because the property is in the Diamond Street Historic District. (If you google “Diamond Street Historic District”, you can find an old manual from the 1980s with lots of information.) Permits need approval by the Historical Commission, and there are fines assessed if changes are made inappropriately, until the issues are fixed or the changes are restored (or ‘legalized’).
I’ve been reading the commission meeting minutes occasionally for updates to the ongoing front door saga at 1919 W Diamond. Apparently the owners installed a smaller metal door after the more historical-looking front door was stolen, but the new door doesn’t pass muster, but the historical doors would cost more and may be less secure, and they’re going back and forth.