Permits Issued For 1717 North 42nd Street In Parkside, West Philadelphia

Permits have been issued for a six-unit apartment building at 1717 North 42nd Street in Parkside, West Philadelphia. Upon completion, the new building will stand three stories tall. In total, the building will hold 5,080 square feet of interior space. Construction costs are estimated at $280,000.

Rendering of 1717 North 42nd Street. Credit: Rosenberg Stuart.

The new building will feature a stylish exterior that matches its historic neighborhood surroundings. Brick will cover the full height of the building, matching the materials used on essentially every single building in the surrounding neighborhood. A bay window will rise from the second floor to the third, and appears to be covered in siding. A porch will be located on the ground floor, which will set the building back slightly from the street while replicating its dignified neighbors.

Parkside is a neighborhood that offers some of the most stunning architecture in the entire city. Unfortunately, much of it has been demolished during the postwar decline of the neighborhood, leaving many vacant lots. Demolitions have largely ceased by now, although the damage has already been done and the area has lost an incredibly significant portion of its former buildings and the density they added to the neighborhood. It is important that developers contributing new construction to the neighborhood put it effort to match their older counterparts and allow the area to resemble what it looked like many years ago.

1717 North 42rd Street. Credit: Google.

As mentioned above, numerous vacant lots still remain in Parkside, and this development will replace one of them. While there is nothing notable about the property, as it just a plot of grass in a row of vacant lots, its next-door neighbor is certainly something to mention. The building is in very poor condition, though it is clear that it has very good bones, with brickwork rising to the third story and topped by a detailed cornice. A major portion of the ground floor has been completely covered, including the windows. While it would certainly require much work, hopefully something can be done to return this building back to its former glory.

1717 North 42rd Street. Credit: Google.

In terms of numbers, there is really nothing to complain about in this project. The three-story height makes sense for the surrounding area, and the six new residential units is a great, although not uncommon, addition for the neighborhood. As the area continues to rebuild and thrive, hopefully it becomes more renowned for its incredible architectural heritage and its proximity to Fairmount Park. It truly is an area that ought to, once again, hold a very special place in Philadelphians’ psyche.

No completion date is known for the project at this time, though construction may be finished later this year or by 2023.

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