1539 South Bambrey Street

Urban development is a delicate balancing act, and sometimes we must say goodbye to cherished local destinations in order to make way for a plan that is ultimately more beneficial to the community and to the city at large. One of such trade-offs is slated to occur at 7619 Germantown Avenue in Mount Airy, Northwest Philadelphia, where the Trolley Car Diner is set to meet the wrecking ball, to be replaced by a six-story, mixed-use residential development designed by Morrissey Design. Although the charming chrome, neon, mural, and freestanding trolley of the diner will be missed, the proposal at hand makes for more effective use of the site, bringing significant residential density within a two0-block walk of the Mount Airy Station of the SEPTA Regional Rail and replacing the auto-centric restaurant with pedestrian-friendly retail.

Developer Atrium Design Group plans to construct a residential building at 230 Vine Street in Old City. The 54,000-square-foot structure will hold 16 units and along with 16 parking spaces and will feature an accessible roof. The building will replace the Painted Bride Arts Center, which has caused a controversy since the current building’s exterior is covered with a unique mosaic by artist Isaiah Zagar.