Permits have been issued for the construction of a new four-story residential building at 2008 West Girard Avenue in Fairmount, Lower North Philadelphia. The project is situated along Girard Avenue with frontage extending to Cambridge Street, on a parcel currently containing an existing structure that will remain. The property is owned by 2008 W Girard LLC, with designs by CANNO Design. TNA Builders is listed as the contractor.
Construction costs are listed at $1,210,000, including $1,200,000 in general construction and $10,000 allocated for excavation work.
2008 West Girard Avenue Plan via CANNO Design
According to permit and zoning documents, the approved scope calls for the erection of an attached structure with eight new residential units, bringing the total unit count on the property to 11, including three existing units within the retained building. The new construction is classified as Group R-2 residential and will be fully sprinklered in accordance with NFPA 13, with standpipes installed in interior exit stair enclosures. Exterior balconies are included at the second through fourth floors, along with four Class 1A bicycle parking spaces at the ground level.
The building will rise four stories to a height of 38 feet, which matches the maximum permitted under RM-1 zoning. Zoning drawings indicate a proposed building area of 2,608 square feet, contributing to a total occupied area of 73 percent of the lot, while 27 percent is reserved as open space. The site spans approximately 6,289 square feet, with a rear yard setback of 10 feet 6 inches. No off-street parking is provided, which complies with zoning requirements.
2008 West Girard Avenue Zoning Map via CANNO Design
Zoning drawings show a multi-story structure with residential units distributed across all floors and balconies positioned along the upper levels. The building section illustrates stacked residential floors with internal stair circulation and a flat roof profile capped at the permitted height. The design also incorporates a rear yard area with proposed tree plantings and an open court between the existing and proposed structures.
The project combines new construction with the retention of an existing three-unit residential structure on the same parcel.
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Although 2008 W. Girard may “officially” be Fairmount, it is near the junction of Fairmount southwest, Francisville southeast, Sharswood northeast, and Brewerytown northwest. Fairmount has long been a beautiful and leafy section of the city, particularly noted for its elegant pre-war, often 19th century, architecture. Now the other three districts are in various stages of revitalization, with Francisville the most advanced.
Today’s post displays no renderings or elevations but Canno Architecture and Design does consistently good work. An example of what’s possible is 2010 Girard next door, where Lo Design created a stunning contemporary rear addition that complements the historic masonry structure facing Girard.