Articles by Thomas Koloski

Philadelphia skyline from South Street Bridge. Photo by The Philadelphia Inquirer

The Illustrated History of Philadelphia’s Skyscraper Boom of 1984-1991

8:00 am on January 28, 2021 By Thomas Koloski

The Philadelphia skyline is anchored by a group of particularly tall buildings, but just 40 years ago, not a single tower rose over 548 feet, the height of the City Hall tower that was completed in 1901. An informal “gentlemen’s agreement” held towers back from rising above the limit, but no developer was successful until One Commerce Square was approved in 1984, which was soon followed by a series of even taller skyscrapers. Philly YIMBY looks at the history behind these Center City buildings, which shaped a major portion of the Philadelphia skyline as we know it today.

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1705 North American Street. Credit: Atrium Design Group

179-Unit Building Proposed for 1705 North American Street in Norris Square, North Philadelphia

8:00 am on January 26, 2021 By Thomas Koloski

A six-story, 179-unit residential building is planned at 1705 North American Street in Norris Square, North Philadelphia. Designed by Atrium Design Group, the building stand 77 feet tall and will replace a vacant grassy lot and a commercial building occupied by Drexel Foods. The building will take up an entire block, standing out from the predominantly rowhouse neighborhood. The building will stand in a desolate area, and will likely generate greater developer interest in the area. The modern design features stone cladding, a rarity for the area. The 189,000-square-foot building will also feature commercial and retail space.

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The Poplar Apartments rendering via Post Brothers

The Poplar Nears Completion at 900 North 9th Street in Poplar, North Philadelphia

8:00 am on January 24, 2021 By Thomas Koloski

Completion approaches at The Poplar, a renovation project in progress at 900 North 9th Street in Poplar, North Philadelphia. Designed by Cosica Moos Architecture, which is responsible for exterior as well as interior design, and developed by the Post Brothers, the 400,000-square-foot project transforms the 11-story Quaker Building, a factory loft built in 1918, into a 285-unit residential building. The redevelopment adds a striking new color to the exterior, a rooftop amenity deck, and units that come in multiple sizes.

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Broad And Noble via Barton Partners.

Site of Broad and Noble Remains Inactive in Callowhill, North Philadelphia

7:30 am on January 23, 2021 By Thomas Koloski

Philly YIMBY’s recent site visit has observed no construction activity at the future site of Broad and Noble, a high-rise development proposed at 435-43 North Broad Street in Callowhill, North Philadelphia. Designed by Barton Partners and developed by Toll Brothers, the project will rise 231 feet and 19 stories and will include 344 apartments within the 371,302 square feet of residential space, as well as 23,647 square feet of amenity space, 46,275 square feet of parking and loading space, 10,574 square feet of retail, 8,351 square feet of office space, and 107 underground parking spaces. The proposal gets its name from its location at the northeast corner of North Broad Street and Noble Street, half a bl0ck away from the entrance of the elevated Rail Park.

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