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.

Construction is progressing at Ludlow 43 at 12-14 South 43rd Street in Spruce Hill, West Philadelphia. The building will rise six stories and 76 feet tall, making it one of the larger buildings in the area. In total, 18 residential units will be included within the building, with eight one-bedrooms, five two-bedroom, three three-bedroom, and two four-bedroom apartments. Also included in the development will be five parking spaces, a fitness center, and a roof deck.