A two-story single-family residence is planned at 1508 South Cleveland Street in Grays Ferry, South Philadelphia, according to recently issued zoning and construction permits. The project is set to rise on a narrow 15-foot-wide lot on the block between Dickinson Street and Tasker Street. Permits list a total construction area of 1,347 square feet. The site, which has long remained vacant, is owned by the Philadelphia Land Bank and has been approved for affordable housing use under the RSA-5 zoning classification. A2 Design Group serves as the architect and RSG Management LLC is listed as the contractor.
The development cost is listed at $195,000.
1508 South Cleveland Street Plan via A2 Design Group
The new dwelling will feature two above-grade stories and a full basement. Plans call for three bedrooms and two bathrooms on the upper and lower levels. The structure is designed with Type VB construction and includes underpinning work due to the below-grade level.
1508 South Cleveland Street Rear Facade via A2 Design Group
Drawings depict a compact building footprint of 532.5 square feet placed along the established street line. The front elevation shows horizontal lap siding above a masonry base, consistent with the surrounding rowhouse context. An elevated entry accessed by a set of metal-railed steps leads to the main level at a height of five feet above grade. The rear façade features matching siding, a first-floor door leading to the backyard, and a basement window well positioned below. Interior sections show living spaces on the first floor with bedrooms on the second level, while the basement extends beneath the full footprint.
1508 South Cleveland Street Section via via A2 Design Group
Zoning documents confirm that the project conforms to RSA-5 dimensional standards for an existing substandard lot. The parcel measures 712.5 square feet with a required open area of 25 percent; plans meet this threshold with 180 square feet of rear yard space. The design provides a twelve-foot rear setback, exceeding the nine-foot minimum requirement, and reaches a total height of 27 feet 6 inches, well below the district’s 38-foot height limit. Stair encroachments remain within the maximum three-foot allowance along South Cleveland Street.
The development will reintroduce housing to a small infill site and continue ongoing reinvestment in the Grays Ferry neighborhood.
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How nice! A reasonably sized house at an affordable price. We should have more of these instead of the three (plus) story half a million dollar houses.
Point Breeze continues to see many vacant lots return to useful service. Acquired from the Philadelphia Land Bank, this small 1,347 square foot, single family home will undoubtedly sell for 33% to 50% less than most (larger) new construction. Hopefully, the house has north facing windows where an alley provides the opportunity.
The Land Bank’s goal is to return vacant properties to productive use, often prioritizing social impact and community benefit through options like affordable housing (virtually always) or community gardens (rarely), which may result in discounted or nominal prices. It does not aim to make a profit from sales, although proceeds from sales contribute to its operating budget. The process is managed by the Sheriff’s office.
After a five year hiatus (due to Sheriff Rochelle Bilal’s incompetence and corruption), in March 2025 the Land Bank reclaimed its priority bid status, enabling the public agency to acquire tax-delinquent properties at city-operated sheriff sales. So it is only recently that the Land Bank restarted offering properties for development.
The city is better off for it.