1541 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.

Permits have been issued for the construction of a four-story, 12-unit multi-family structure at 3401 Wallace Street in Mantua, West Philadelphia. Certain apartments will have access to private roof decks. Sweeping views of the skyline will likely be available from the top floor, spanning from University City to Center City and beyond. The property sits at the northwest corner of Wallace and 34th streets. The 15,755-square-foot building will cost an estimated $2.5 million to build. 3401 Wallace LLC is the listed owner.