Dale Corporation

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 residential building at 4217 Mantua Avenue in Belmont, West Philadelphia. The building will be located on a vacant lot spanning 1,454 square feet, situated on a block bound by Belmont Avenue, Girard Avenue, and 42nd Street, facing Mantua Street. The project proposal includes the construction of a four-story building on a vacant parcel spanning an area of 1,536 square feet. Plato Studio is listed as the design professional. Permits list Yona Construction LLC as the contractor. Construction costs are specified at $700,000.