A recent site visit by Philly YIMBY has confirmed the completion of Wharton Flats, a five-story mixed-use development at 1283 South 9th Street in Passyunk Square, South Philadelphia. Developed by Hightop Real Estate and Development, the complex features 5,400 square feet of commercial space, 21 apartments, and three townhomes. The building is a significant addition to the iconic intersection that is home to Pat’s King of Steaks and and Geno’s Steaks, two of Philadelphia’s signature cheesesteak restaurants.
1283 South 9th Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. March 2022
1283 South 9th Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. March 2022
1283 South 9th Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. March 2022
Despite its modest scale relative to various developments throughout the city, the structure dominates the rowhouse-lined, predominantly prewar neighborhood, though its mixed-use program with ground-level retail is an ideal fit for the location. The development wisely turns its taller section toward the commercial intersection with the cheesesteak restaurants on 9th Street, while lining the rowhouse-lined Wharton Street with rowhouses that match the scale of adjacent structures. The building nods to its surroundings with a facade of textured red brick, beige stone detailing at the ground level, and a palette of dark metal at the storefronts, sidewalk sconces, window mullions, and cornice. Although out of place in terms of traditional appearance, sections of dark horizontal siding also match the metal theme and add certain visual interest to the facade. A prominent five-story turret at the corner of 9th and Wharton streets visually unifies the complex and adds a welcome centerpiece to the composition.
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That is one uninspired facade. Random reliefs and inconsistent alignment, random cast stone elements, a railing and tiny ramp at the corner? This is a brutal pedestrian experience. What a shame.
Yeah it’s weird, but there’s much much worse.