1543 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.

A recent site visit by Philly YIMBY has confirmed that construction has been completed at The Vine, a 24-unit condominium at 1723 Francis Street in Francisville (alternately Fairmount), North Philadelphia. Designed by Gnome Architects, developed by the Stamm Development Group, and constructed by PB+DC (Point Builders and Design Concepts), the project consists of a renovation of the front portion of an existing three-story prewar structure, demolition of its expansive rear section, and ground-up construction of a four-story annex. The complex spans 20,971 square feet and features 18 parking spaces in a ground-level garage. A shared roof deck offers green plantings, gathering and lounge space, and splendid views of the skylines of Center City, University City, and Temple University. Construction costs are listed at $1.26 million.