A recent site visit by Philadelphia YIMBY has observed that construction work is complete at a pair of single-family rowhouses at 437 Krams Avenue in Roxborough, Northwest Philadelphia. The project consists of attached structures with a roof deck. 437 Krams Ave LLC is the listed owner.
437 Krams Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. April 2024
437 Krams Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. April 2024
437 Krams Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. April 2024
437 Krams Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. April 2024
Judging by the site condition, it appears that, at this time, only two of the six originally proposed structures have been completed. The buildings are clad in an urbane and sophisticated, if somewhat somber, Minimalist exterior with patterned horizontal gray panels and tall, large-glass-pane windows. The buildings are slightly staggered in relation to one another, creating a pleasant sense of depth and contributing visual interest to the composition.
The development replaces a roofing supplier facility, which consists of a large, fenced-in paved lot with a two-story garage and warehouse structure in the rear. the site sits in a mixed residential and commercial neighborhood, which consists of a mix of predominantly two-story rowhouses and industrial-style businesses, including a massive four-story prewar factory loft across the street and down the block.
The replacement of the roofing supplier with the new development is emblematic of the area’s ongoing shift to residential use. A three-story residential structure was built to the east of the proposal site sometime between 2008 and 2012.
Krams Avenue, with 437 Krams Avenue on the right. Looking northeast. Credit: Google
Krams Avenue, with 437 Krams Avenue on the left. Looking southwest. Credit: Google
437 Krams Avenue. Looking north. Credit: Google
The site is located in the southern section of Roxborough where the neighborhood seamlessly transitions into Manayunk. The transition line is ambiguous enough for the surrounding area to occasionally be classified as Roxborough-Manayunk. Regardless of the name, the neighborhood maintains a charming small town feel, with predominantly low-rise yet densely-built urban fabric, localized commercial corridors such as the one along Ridge Avenue a block and a half to the east of the proposal site, and small businesses and art galleries scattered throughout. Though much o the neighborhood is already built out, we may expect development in the near future on the handful of development-favorable sites that remain available.
437 Krams Avenue. Credit: Google
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No consideration for fitting in with the neighborhood….
If no consideration for fitting in with the neighborhood means a 1,200 square foot two-story with low ceilings, it’s not going to happen. Virtually all new homes are three stories or more, and substantially larger than those constructed 50-80 years ago. For the most part, small homes are not marketable. Today’s home buyer wants big. Small is not profitable enough that developers will build. Subsidies are difficult to come by.
These single family homes are handsome enough, especially with large ground floor windows that provide “eyes on the street” safety. On the other hand, the developer appears allergic to greenery, with expansive set-backs devoid of life. Not even a planter. Better though than what existed before: Murphy Roofing’s curb cut and chain link fence securing a surface lot storing cars and equipment.
For an atrocious bit of architecture, check out 439 Krams next door. Constructed between 2008 and 2012, there is private surface parking out front. The home itself is a drab beige stucco. Even the back yard is paved over. I can hear Joni Mitchell singing.