Philadelphia YIMBY’s recent site visit has observed that construction work is complete at a seven-story, 18-unit mixed-use building at 222 North 11th Street in Chinatown, Center City. The mid-rise structure stands on the west side of the block between Race and Vine streets, half a block north of the Convention Center (thus situating the project within the Convention Center District). Designed by YCH Architect, the structure spans 17,280 square feet. Permits list Liu Construction as the contractor.
Construction costs are listed at $2.1 million, lending a total of around $122 per interior square foot.
The building’s footprint spans the entirety of the nearly square, 45-foot-wide and 48-foot-deep lot, as permitted in the CMX-4 commercial zoning district. The structure rises 73 feet to the main roof and around 78 feet to the top of the parapet, making a minor impression on the generally low-slung surrounding skyline.
222 North 11th Street. Looking northwest. Credit: Google Maps
Vietnam Palace at 222 North 11th Street. Looking northwest. November 2020. Credit: Google Street View
The new building replaces the Vietnam Palace, an acclaimed restaurant that has stood at the site for several decades. The property owners first received a variance to redevelop the property in 2016, yet the restaurant continued to operate until early 2020. The two-story building met the wrecking ball in 2021. Though the restaurant’s demolition is unfortunate, its replacement is a great fit for the site that brings high residential density to a centrally located, transit-accessible location. The design is astute, with balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows maki9ng for an urbane presence. Abstract metal panels on the south-facing lot wall, with a red band that echoes the accents on thee street-facing facade, make for an attractive tough.
222 North 11th Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. February 2024
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Google Maps indicates that the apartment house was finished before March 2023.
It is unfortunate that ground floor retail vacancy persists almost a year later. Even more concerning, window stickers remain in place (i.e., the stickers remain stuck) and there is nothing on any of the balconies, indicating that the apartments may also be vacant. Although not depicted, the north face is as windowless as the south. The west has a narrow band of recessed vertical windows.
Vietnam Palace was one of our favorites. And the signage was unique. Perhaps the restauranteurs found a place nearby.
How will this building help to maintain the Chinese character of Chinatown?
Character?… You mean the dozen parking lots within a 1-block radius…
Apparently, what Chinatown demands is cheaply built tacky buildings.
Remember that when it fights anything of scale on Market East or in Callowhill.
The old owner didn’t want to sell and it’s unfortunate they closed down around covid. It’s great that they were able to make a large property like this happen for the community.
Not sure why others are punching down on a local business owner creating housing and a place for local business owners to start a business. Hopefully the important economic hub of the market corridor is not turned into a parking lot due to arena proposals now in early stages