A recent site visit by Philly YIMBY has documented progress of a renovation project underway at 1401 South Broad Street in Passyunk Square, South Philadelphia. Upon completion, the project will feature four residential units and ground-floor retail space. The project will add 1,787 square feet to the existing 3,554-square-foot building. Construction costs are listed at $205,000.
1401 South Broad Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024
1401 South Broad Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024
1401 South Broad Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024
1401 South Broad Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024
Below are photos of the original structure, which featured a red brick facade and a second-story bay window with ornate Victorian trimmings.
1401 South Broad Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2022
1401 South Broad Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2022
1401 South Broad Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2022
1401 South Broad Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2022
1401 South Broad Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2022
1401 South Broad Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2022
The development is a particular egregious case of non-contextual redevelopment of a prewar property. While we welcome renovations of aging buildings and densification of centrally located sections of the city, the renovation is clearly out-of-context with its surroundings (though, at least, a gesture was made to imitate a bay window and cornice, typologies present throughout the block). As a general rule, we support new development, yet the city of Philadelphia ought to introduce stronger incentives for preservation of architecturally distinguished buildings, particularly those of prewar vintage.
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Omg this is horrible🤮🤮🤮
It is a nice by right project as the height matches the height of existing units.
Height might match but what could anyone have been thinking with that facade?
Why NOT replicate what exists on the entire row….and do that block after block instead of the incompetent “architecture” making that is so bleak.
I pass by this corner a couple times per week and every time I do a double take looking at this. Did the builders get a discount on finishing materials? There are like 4 different finishes used on the exterior. None of which even remotely come close to matching the existing structures. So so ugly and such a shame. Truly embarrassing.
even worse, the rear side of the building is dark colored with different materials. looks completely different from the front and side. the whole building is an absolute mess.
They don’t have to do it if they decide to go by right
what they did to this building is a travesty
Another butcher job on the historic beauty of Philadelphia architecture. When will this madness stop? Is anyone in power intelligent? aware? honest?