Construction Nears Completion at 1712 Christian Street in Graduate Hospital, South Philadelphia

Philly YIMBY’s recent site visit has noted that construction is nearly complete at a two-building, six-unit complex at 1712 Christian Street in Graduate Hospital, South Philadelphia. The structures replace two three-story prewar rowhouses on a through-block lot that stretches from Christian Street to the north to Montrose Street to the south. Designed by Moto Designshop, the development will consist of two rowhouses situated at either end of the site, each rising three stories and featuring three units, with a 33-foot-long rear yard in between. Both structures will feature rear and roof decks. Permits list Made Construction as the contractor and a construction cost of $400,000.

1712 Christian Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. March 2024

1712 Christian Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. March 2024

Although only slightly larger than an average rowhouse, the building’s starkly contemporary facade with staggered horizontal windows contrasts sharply with its prewar neighbors. The brick curtain wall, however, somewhat helps to tie the building to its surrounding context.

The rowhouse that stood on Christian Street was rather unremarkable as it was clad in generic, non-historic formstone, although a restoration may have uncovered its original red brick facade, had it been undertaken. Notably, this end of the site faces a historic marker dedicated to John C. Ashbury, who resided at , or adjacent to, the location, citing his years of life from 1862 through 1941 and describing him as a “prominent African-American Republican who as legislator sponsored a statewide Civil Rights bill in 1921 that served as a model for future efforts. He was a philanthropist, a founder of Eden Cemetery and Mercy Hospital, and editor of the Odd Fellows’ Journal.”

1712 Christian Street. Zoning submission. Credit: Moto Designshop via the City of Philadelphia

1712 Christian Street prior to demolition. Looking south from Christian Street. Credit: Google Maps

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