Permits have been issued for the construction of a mixed-use building at 5959-63 Ridge Avenue in Roxborough, Northwest Philadelphia. Upon completion, the structure will stand four stories tall and span a total of 31,785 square feet of space, with commercial space on the ground floor and 30 apartments above. A basement will hold a fitness room, storage space, and bicycle storage for building residents. A roof deck will be located at the top of the building. Permits list Gabriel I.I. John as the owner, Jeremy Avellino as the design professional, and Knight Rider Construction as the contractor. Construction costs are specified at $3.2 million.
The new building will feature a modern exterior, not unlike other new developments built in the area recently. Brick is shown to be used primarily, rising up the entirety of the building’s height. Another portion of the structure is shown to be covered in what appears to be siding. Floor-to-ceiling windows will cover the ground-floor with the commercial space, with smaller, uniformly-sized windows situated above.
Current view of 5959-63 Ridge Avenue. Credit: Google.
The structure will replace a now-vacated auto mechanic shop. The facility stood at a setback from the street, with a surface lot in front. Although the need for mechanic spaces in the city is undeniable, having such a business on a commercial corridor such as Ridge Avenue does not make the most efficient use of the lot. Its removal will help to set this suburbanized stretch of Ridge Avenue on a more urban route.
Current view of 5959-63 Ridge Avenue. Credit: Google.
The added 30 residential units and commercial space will for a big improvement at the site. The commercial space will help increase the commercial presence on Ridge Avenue, while the density will help support this and attract more businesses nearby. The site is within walking distance from a variety of neighborhood destinations, and the building will likely fill up rapidly upon completion, boosting the area’s housing market.
No completion date is known for the project at this time, though construction may be finished at the end of this year or by 2023.
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As a longtime resident of this neighborhood I do not consider this portion of Ridge Avenue to be suburbanized! It is a typical urban mix of stores, a church and cemetery, a school and a building used as offices for a non profit. Two questions for your consideration: 1.) Does the tiny shopping center give this a “suburban” feel? 2.) Where would you want automotive repair shops to be located?
Don’t need another apartment complex. What about parking spaces for these apartments. No parking in this area now . Build a store worth shopping at.
No! Please! Make it stop. Progress? For who? Or what? Most residents don’t see all these apartments as progress. What we are seeing is more congestion on the roads and more difficulty trying to park because builders say people won’t have cars. This I might work in center city but not here.
Please if u want to build something build a Walmart but NO MORE APARTMENTS AROUND HERE ANYMORE! WE DONT NEED THEM!! BY BY😧