Construction Nears Completion at 608 South American Street in Queen Village, South Philadelphia

A recent site visit by Philly YIMBY has confirmed that construction work is complete at a four-story, nine-unit residential building at 608 South American Street in Queen Village, South Philadelphia. The new structure replaces a joined pair of prewar rowhouses formerly situated on the west side of the block between South Street and Bainbridge Street. Designed by Gnome Architects, the new building spans 9,173 square feet and feature a basement and two private roof decks. Permits list Cassidy McGrath as the contractor and indicate a construction cost of $1.2 million.

608 South American Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. June 2024

The building measures 25 feet at its widest point and extends 91 feet. The building shape leaves space for a five-foot-wide side court leading from the street to a 16-by-13-foot central courtyard, as well as a compact, nine-foot-wide yard in the rear. The courtyard splits the structure into a dumbbell shape, where the primary front and rear portions are connected via a narrow section in the center. Only slightly larger than the structure it is replacing, the new building rises 45 feet to the main roof (49 feet to the parapet and around 55 feet to the top of the two bulkheads), a height made possible by a low-income density bonus that garnered the developers a 50 percent boost in the unit count (three extra apartments) and seven feet of additional height.

608 South American Street. Site condition prior to redevelopment. Credit: Gnome Architects via the City of Philadelphia

608 South American Street. Site condition prior to redevelopment. Credit: Gnome Architects via the City of Philadelphia

608 South American Street, prior to redevelopment. Looking west. November 2020. Credit: Google Maps

South American Street, with 608 South American Street on the left, prior to redevelopment. Looking north. November 2018. Credit: Google Maps

South American Street, with 608 South American Street in the center right, prior to redevelopment. Looking south. November 2020. Credit: Google Maps

Situated on a predominantly prewar block, the building boasts a historically inspired design well-suited for its surroundings. A white brick exterior both pays homage to its context while maintaining a unique identity along a predominantly red-brick street wall. The street-facing cantilevered section, chamfered at the corners, features tall paneled windows and gently inset coffer panels. The impact of the prominent fourth story, which protrudes above the street cornice line, is softened by its styling as a mansard roof. A vertical bay of small inset balconies, with alternating brick courses at the spandrels and topped with a round arch, add a further touch of finesse to the composition. Once again, Gnome Architects have delivered a design worthy of Philadelphia’s rich architectural and historic heritage.

608 South American Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. June 2024

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