A recent site visit by Philadelphia YIMBY noted that preparations for demolition work appears underway at 2012 Chestnut Street in Rittenhouse Square, Center City, with the structures currently occupying the site to be replaced by a 14-story residential tower. Designed by JKRP Architects and developed by the Philadelphia Housing Authority (also the owner) and Alterra Property Group, the building, also known under its full address of 2012-14 Chestnut Street, will feature 162 residential units, of which 130 would run at market rate and another 32 would be classified as “workhouse housing.” The plan also includes around 4,500 square feet of retail space on the ground floor.
Rendering of 2012 Chestnut Street. Credit: JKRP Architects.
2012 Chestnut Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024
The property had been fenced off and an excavator has appeared at the location since we last visited the site last May.
Rendering of 2012 Chestnut Street. Credit: JKRP Architects.
2012 Chestnut Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024
2012 Chestnut Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024
2012 Chestnut Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024
2012 Chestnut Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024
2012 Chestnut Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024
Rendering of 2012 Chestnut Street. Credit: JKRP Architects.
Rendering of 2012 Chestnut Street. Credit: JKRP Architects.
The Philadelphia Housing Authority vacated their headquarters building, situated within an imposing, 17,920-square-foot, four-story prewar loft, in the late 2000s. Around 2013, the organization announced their intent to redevelop the vacant structure and has selected Alterra Property Group as a development partner. The original plan for the site proposed a somewhat larger building, which was designed by Cope Linder Architects. The 175,000-square-foot structure was to rise 253 feet and 20 stories tall, and hold 200 apartments.
2012 Chestnut Street rendering. Image by Cope-Liner Architects
Since that time, there has been a switch in architects and the design was revised to its current iteration, which is planned to rise 161 feet tall.
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What the F* is “workhouse” housing?? We appear to be going back to the dark ages in more ways than one.
I think they meant workforce housing. Smh.
Workforce housing.
Ugly as sh*t but hope they actually build it. Wish they stuck with the 200 unit 20 story building
I’m glad to see this eyesore being developed. I just hope parking will be provided in the building for the tenants.
What are they considering “workhouse housing”? Will it be tax credit? Often, those “affordable” units are far from affordable because they are priced according to median area income. Not even Anderson House, specifically built for low income seniors, being tax credit, is affordable for the very people on social security it was meant for. Rents are at least half monthly fixed income. Plus utilities
I’m going to become homeless. Im a senior citizen female on a below poverty wage
$1006.40 a month
I live in the Delaware region… Wanted to move back to sleep,pa. I can no longer pay bills.. everything way too expensive
Politics got into the situation once the PHA vacated their headquarters. City Council got involved and PHA was forced to hold to their property for workforce housing.
What the city needs to provide is more properties like Casa Farnese at 13th and Lombard. Senior Citizen housing (62 Yr or older) where the rent is (I think) generally about 30% of income. It is section 8 housing, pre-designated (so no voucher needed). They are studio or 1 BD, smaller than 550 SQ FT, allow small pets, have lobby security and all units have small balconies. Residents there love it, and feel safe. Waiting list is at least 5 years. Don’t seniors deserve this? It’s not luxury, but it IS security. These communities keep areas safer, as few Senior Citizens run with gangs and own guns. They just want peace and security. Why can’t the city provide more like this????
The correct term is workforce housing.