A new mixed-use development is moving forward at 1441 Germantown Avenue in the Olde Kensington, where permits have been issued for the construction of a three-story building with residential and commercial uses. The project site is currently undergoing redevelopment following the permitted demolition of an existing three-story structure earlier this year. Ambit Architecture is responsible for the designs. L Town Construction Inc is the contractor.
The project carries an estimated construction cost of $1,000,000.
1441 Germantown Avenue Plan via Ambit Architecture
The approved plans call for the erection of an attached structure featuring a ground-floor commercial space and six residential units above. The residential component is arranged across the upper floors, with the project utilizing a green roof bonus to increase the unit count from five units permitted by base zoning to six units. The building will also include a basement level, a mezzanine within the structure, and a private roof deck accessed by a roof deck access structure.
According to permit filings, the building will yield approximately 6,644 square feet of total construction area. The structure is classified as Type V-A construction and will be fully sprinklered in accordance with NFPA 13 standards. The development is designed for mixed-use occupancy, with commercial space at the ground level and multi-family residential use above. Separate permits will be required for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression systems prior to occupancy.
1441 Germantown Avenue View via Ambit Architecture
Zoning documents indicate that the property falls within a CMX-2 district. The proposal complies with dimensional standards, including a building height of approximately 38 feet to the roof and roughly 40 feet 4 inches to the top of the parapet. The plans provide a rear yard depth of over 26 feet, exceeding the minimum requirement, while the structure aligns with adjacent properties along the street frontage with no front or side setbacks.
1441 Germantown Avenue Elevation via Ambit Architecture
Architectural drawings depict a contemporary masonry-clad structure with a prominent corner presence at the intersection. The ground floor is designed with expansive glazing to accommodate future commercial use, while the upper floors incorporate regularly spaced window openings. A green roof element is integrated into the design, contributing to the project’s increased residential density under zoning provisions.
The development replaces a previously existing building with a new mixed-use structure that introduces additional housing and commercial space along Germantown Avenue. A construction timeline has not been disclosed.
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That will be an improvement!
Agree Susan.
And four new shade trees to boot! PHL would benefit from incentivizing the planting of street trees by allowing greater density, just as it does for green roofs.