A recent site visit by Philly YIMBY has observed that construction work is complete at a four-story, four-unit residential building at 1164 South 18th Street in Point Breeze, South Philadelphia. Designed by 24/7 Design Group, the development will rise at the northwest corner of South 18th and Federal streets. A private roof deck will be accessible to a single unit. Permits list Federal 4 LP as the owner, Casey Lafferty as the contractor, and a construction cost of $400,000.
1164 South 18th Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. March 2024
Aerial view of 1164 South 18th Street. Credit: Google Maps
Rendering of 1164 South 18th Street
1164 South 18th Street prior to demolition. Looking northwest. September 2017, Credit: Google Maps
1164 South 18th Street. Site plan. Credit: 24/7 Design Group LLC via the City of Philadelphia
1164 South 18th Street. Building section. Credit: 24/7 Design Group LLC via the City of Philadelphia
The development replaces a three-story prewar rowhouse that housed the Welcome Galilee Community Baptist Church on its ground floor. In 2017, a single-story addition was considered for the structure; however, the building was demolished by 2018, and a partially assembled plywood frame has sat at the site for over a year.
The ground floor sits two feet above the sidewalk level, with floor-to-floor heights spanning nine feet. The building’s main roof rises 38 feet high, to the maximum allowed height in this, and numerous other, areas of the city (the nine-foot-tall pilot house, which brings the total structural height to 47 feet, does not count in the zoning calculation).
1164 South 18th Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. March 2024
1164 South 18th Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. March 2024
The building replaces a prewar rowhouse that was part of an ensemble that comprised adjacent structures. Somewhat larger than the surrounding rowhouses, the multitone gray building defines the corner in a powerful manner, while its staggered asymmetrical forms visually break down and soften its slab-like bulk. Route 2 and 17 buses service the surrounding blocks, and the Ellsworth-Federal station on the Broad Street subway line sits within an eight-minute walk to the east. Chew Playground is situated a block to the north.
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
Philadelphia will soon be a city of characterless boxes.
End product looks cheap
The four-unit replaces a drab three-story clad in form-stone and stucco, replete with unsightly room air conditioners. Plentiful south and east facing windows provide tons of natural light. Across the street is American Sardine Bar, providing instant fun. The roof deck adds enjoyment. Many renters (and owners) want new-construction. Point Breeze gains an additional four to eight residents, increasing its vibrancy, supporting its retail and improving the city’s tax base.
Wish the rendered street trees and fourth floor small green terrace had come to fruition. And the three-step stoops didn’t happen either, potentially meaning the first floor unit is at grade. But with the renders showing car travel south on 18th St., inaccuracies should have been expected.
All-in-all, a win.