A recent site visit by Philadelphia YIMBY has noted sustained construction progress at a 20-unit townhouse complex at 1031 Germantown Avenue in Northern Liberties, Lower North Philadelphia. Designed by JKRP Architects, the development will span a wedge-shaped parcel bordered by Germantown Avenue to the southwest and West Allen Street to the north, and will comprise the first phase of a project that will feature 15 more townhouses in the future.
1031 Germantown Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. October 2024
1031 Germantown Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. October 2024
1031 Germantown Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. October 2024
Rendering of 1031 Germantown Avenue. Credit: JKRP Architects.
Rendering of 1031 Germantown Avenue. Credit: JKRP Architects.
Rendering of 1031 Germantown Avenue. Credit: JKRP Architects.
Rendering of 1031 Germantown Avenue. Credit: JKRP Architects.
Although effectively connected into three distinct structures, the townhouses will function as individual units as distinct as those within any traditional rowhouse block. However, instead of individual yards, the rear planted landscape will function as a single shared amenity much as it does in a typical apartment building. Further mending the successful elements of both the rowhouse and apartment building typologies is the shared driveway that will run conveniently under the common rear deck, putting cars out of sight and reclaiming valuable open space for the residents.
Patterned beige brick, decorated with ornamental courses and shallow coffered niches at window spandrels, will simultaneously add a distinctive contemporary touch while grounding the design in the city’s traditional vernacular.
The property sits in the bustling northeast section of Northern Liberties, populated by numerous mid- and high-rise developments in various stages of progress, the most notable of which is The Piazza, a massive multi-building development with retail, an extensive public promenades, and one of Philadelphia’s most distinctive rooftop pools.
1031 Germantown Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. October 2024
1031 Germantown Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. October 2024
1031 Germantown Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. October 2024
Rendering of 1031 Germantown Avenue. Credit: JKRP Architects.
1031 Germantown Avenue prior to redevelopment. Credit: Google Maps
The Girard Station on the Market-Frankford Line and the route 15 trolley are situated two blocks to the north. Rivers Casino, the Delaware River waterfront, and Penn Treaty Park may be reached via a short walk to the southeast.
1031 Germantown Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. October 2024
1031 Germantown Avenue. Photo by Jamie Meller. October 2024
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Because calling it North Philly would mean they could not charge as much as Lower North. Probably could have just said Northern Liberties.