Hunter Robert’s Construction Group

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.

On Wednesday, after a lengthy review process, the New York City-based Durst Organization has been selected to head the Penn’s Landing redevelopment on the Delaware River waterfront in Center City. Durst’s master plan consists of an expanded Penn’s Landing park as well as new waterfront park space and several high-rise buildings, the tallest of which appears to reach around 700 feet. The plan is expected to bring 3.6 million square feet of floor space, much of which would be designated for 1,834 residential units. The development will leave a dramatic impact both on the riverfront and on the city skyline.