4233 Chestnut 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.

Construction permits have been issued for a three-story, six-unit residential building at 1032 North Front Street in Northern Liberties, North Philadelphia. The semi-detached structure will rise alongside the former Immaculate Conception Church and rectory complex and will contain 6,890 square feet of new construction, basement-level parking, and a roof deck with two access pilot houses. GDC Allen Street Partners is listed as the property owner. Toner Architects is responsible for the architectural drawings. Under Construction listed as the general contractor.