South 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 the completion of Wharton Flats, a five-story mixed-use development at 1283 South 9th Street in Passyunk Square, South Philadelphia. Developed by Hightop Real Estate and Development, the complex features 5,400 square feet of commercial space, 21 apartments, and three townhomes. The building is a significant addition to the iconic intersection that is home to Pat’s King of Steaks and and Geno’s Steaks, two of Philadelphia’s signature cheesesteak restaurants.