A recent site visit by Philadelphia YIMBY has noted that construction has still not started at a seven-story, 88-unit residential structure proposed at 4219-23 Chestnut Street in Spruce Hill, West Philadelphia. The project will replace a two-story commercial structure on the north side of the block between South 42nd and South 43rd streets. Designed by Wulff Architects, Inc., the building will span 55,280 square feet, and rise 80 feet high to the main roof, and 93 feet to the top of the bulkheads. Features will include a roof deck and parking for 16 cars and 30 bicycles.
4219 Chestnut Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. April 2024
4219 Chestnut Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. April 2024
Zoning permits for demolition and construction had been issued in September and December 2020, respectively. However, our site visit determined that demolition has not yet begun at the Postmodern-styled commercial structure, which was previously occupied by a dialysis center.
Judging by the renderings, the proposed replacement is long, squat, and rather institutional-looking; fortunately, the building faces its narrow side toward the street, minimizing the impact of its long, unadorned expanse. While the street-facing facade would benefit from more apertures, it is made more appealing by a floor-to-ceiling glass bay that will add significant transparency to the project. In either case, the new project will poise a significant improvement over its predecessor, both in terms of urban presence and and the large volume of housing units it will add to this transit-adjacent, centrally located site.
The average floor plate will span 9,112 square feet and feature a double-loaded hallway with apartments on either side. Although unit layouts are not available at the moment, judging by their wide shape and relatively shallow depth, as well as by the fact that an eight-foot setback on either side will allow for ample windows.
4219-23 Chestnut Street. Rendering credit: Wulff Architects, Inc. via the City of Philadelphia
4219-23 Chestnut Street. Floor plans. Credit: Wulff Architects, Inc. via the City of Philadelphia
4219-23 Chestnut Street. Building massing and zoning diagram. Credit: Wulff Architects, Inc. via the City of Philadelphia
4219-23 Chestnut Street. Zoning submission. Credit: Wulff Architects, Inc. via the City of Philadelphia
The building will rise just to the west of University City, or, arguably, may be said to actually be situated within the neighborhood. The 40th Street Station on the Market-Frankford Line is situated two and a half blocks to the northeast, and the University of Pennsylvania campus extends several blocks further to the east.
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Architectural buffs around the world will be making a pilgrimage to this “stunner”.
Interest rates?
The architectural transformation of West Philadelphia is quite eclectic. Sadly, the older architecture is being removed and the city is being rebuilt, remade, and replaced with little if any footprint from its past. The up-to-date designs are cold and unwelcoming and will not offer any continuity or welcome feelings to the area. Their function seems to be to accommodate the overload of people occupying the city. Not impressed with the city’s new direction.
The Youth Study Center that used to grace the Ben Franklin Parkway was more visally appealing than this prison-esque structure
The best word I can use to describe the design of this building is “crap”.
I have to give it most this building is hideous… But I consider this part of Philadelphia University City… I have eight relatives that live in West Philly all the way from 59th and Lansdowne to 60th and cedar and I still feel like it’s West Philly.. that part of the city has not changed I still get my West Philly filled University City is bound to grow.. but they’ve been way better looking buildings this added to the flavor.. this one is horrible
Looks like Metropolitan (NYC) city hospital’s main building from the 1960s
It’s Pre-Gorbachev Communist Russian Apartment Block Chic.
So Drab! So Depressing! It is bound to have a high resident suicide rate. AMAZING!!!
So many OK buildings get bashed or redesigned, HOW did this get approved by UPenn, Spruce Hill pr other neighborhood or community groups. Too ugly for a prominent area. First time I have seen this, I hope its the last.
KGB Headquarters? Philly citizens have stopped really good building projects in the past. This is the time they stay quiet? NIMBY this.