A recent site visit by Philadelphia YIMBY has noted that construction work has still not started at a 315-foot-tall, 24-story tower proposed at 702 Sansom Street in Market East, Center City. Designed by SLCE Architects and developed by Toll Brothers, the development will hold 85 residential units.
702 Sansom Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2025
702 Sansom Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2025
702 Sansom Street. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2025
The project has a lengthy, and controversial due to its location on historic Jewelers Row, development history. The latest permit, covering a lot merger, was issued in 2018. At this point, no progress has been made aside from demolition of the original low-rise structures that stood at the site and excavation of the pit. To this day, the pit sits empty, as may be seen in our photos.
702 Sansom Street via Toll Brothers
Given the sensitive location of the site and the buildings that were torn down to make way for the project, as well as the decidedly contemporary design set within a historic setting, the controversy is not uncalled for. However, at this point, development would be much preferred over the persistence of the eyesore vacant lot, and tall height and large development density is certainly warranted at this centrally-located, transit-accessible location.
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We need some zoning changes or tax breaks or financial incentives or something for major builds like this one, so that there are more projects to write about in Philly, rather than going back to ones that are pending time and time again. C’mon Mrs. Mayor. Let’s make this city pop like NY, Toronto, Miami, etc. We certainly have enough vacant space to make it a reality.
Hey schmuck! Go back to Schmucksville!
I can already tell that you’re one of those people who’d rather see boarded up bandos and section 8 housing all over the city. It wouldn’t surprise me if you live in Richard Allen projects and can’t stand the sight of the gentrification happening all around you, hence your nimby comments under each post. Now get lost nimby sympathizer 😂😂
We have nitwits determined to screw up a great construction project. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the Major holding up progress. That’s why Philadelphia is a backwards city.
Philadelphia should be Philadelphia, and not NYC or any other city. Get a life.
The project’s description and posted renderings are those of Toll Brothers from December 2021. In January 2023, Pearl Properties purchased the site and have updated plans and provided two additional sets of renderings.
Pearl’s plans and latest renderings from October 2023 are significant improvements from that described and displayed. The structure is slimmer and slightly taller than Toll Brothers’ 2021 plans, with a higher floor-area-ratio (1,493% v 1,200%). Called The Arbour House, Pearl’s planned edifice features warm terracotta tones and plenty of landscaping across various setbacks. The development is a DAS Architects designed, 367-foot-tall, mixed-use tower with 99 residential units, ground floor commercial space (with hopes for a restaurant to anchor the building and offer an amenity for residents, diamond shoppers, and other visitors), 35 bike parking stalls, and 50 second through fourth floor auto parking spaces. Auto access is on 7th St., leaving all Sansom St. frontage for retail.
As per Civic Design Review packet: “The existing vacant building site at 708 Sansom Street is located less than a block north of Washington Square known for its large mature specimen trees and tranquil environment. This new residential hi-rise overlooks the Square drawing in the landscape as a main feature. The tower form is articulated into vertical segments that rise from the tower base at the 5th floor which align with the tops of the neighboring Sansom Street buildings. This 5th floor roof top will feature a landscaped and treed roof terrace for residents. As the vertical segments change at different floor levels, they form roof terraces and changing silhouettes from varying points of view. The top of the tower will feature a pair of penthouse units with large, landscaped roof terraces. The tower’s facade is finished in vertical sections of terracotta colored metal panels that complement the traditional beige and red brick buildings in the area. Dark bronze horizontal trim then weaves through the terracotta color panels. The highly finished motor court lobby fronting 7th Street is open to above providing cascading natural light, and an artistic tree sculpture finished in brass will also sparkle with light.”
Craig you are ten of the most boring people on this blog
Mayor, you complain a lot.
Fits right into the neighborhood!
I hope you’re being sarcastic! It’s a historical neighborhood, no parking to begin with. Doesn’t fit in at all!
I was!!!
I’m sure William Penn put the squares in the city for developers so they could command a higher price/sf with a view of the square. Sadly residents will be subject to noise, traffic delays and increased air pollution for 4 or 5 years during construction. So much for enjoying the green space.
We have one person – the Mayor or one of her councilmen holding the permit to build.
This is a travesty that the existing buildings were torn down without a solid, firm commitment to build.
It’s also a shame that a block as unique and unreplaceable is impacted by this project.
Now that they are gone. Let’s finish this up!
Agree Drew.