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.

Recently published permits reveal that another height change is possible for 113-121 South 19th Street in Rittenhouse Square, Center City. The permit states that the building will now stand 52 stories, meaning it will likely have a height above 600 feet. Designed by DAS Architecture and Partners, the 267,874 square-foot tower will have 215 residential units and 30,180 square feet of commercial space. The design will feature slender profile and will be clad in light and dark and light shades. The building was developed by Pearl Properties, which was also behind The Harper located nearby.