Philadelphia 1945 aerial looking east. Models and image by Thomas Koloski

Observing the “Chinese Wall” Rail Viaduct on the 1945 Cityscape

7:30 am on September 25, 2021 By Thomas Koloski

In the late 1800s, the city of Philadelphia made a bold move that greatly transformed and influenced both mass transit and the cityscape when they allowed Pennsylvania Railroad to construct a massive rail viaduct in Center City. One of the largest transportation projects in the city, dubbed to citizens as the “Chinese Wall” due to its appearance and presence, had a dramatic effect on the city’s planning for years to come. Designed by the Wilson Brothers, the rail line stood next to Broad Street Station, which sat on the current site of Dilworth Park, and stretched out all the way to West Philadelphia. The structure saw busy rail service for decades, yet it ultimately met its fate in 1953 after it was demolished to make way for future development. Today YIMBY presents an exclusive massing mock-up of how the structure appeared on the cityscape in 1945.

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1426 North 7th Street. Looking west. Credit: Google Maps

Permits Issued for Four-Unit Residential Building at 1426 North 7th Street in Ludlow, North Philadelphia

7:00 am on September 25, 2021 By Vitali Ogorodnikov

Permits have been issued for the construction of a four-story, four-unit residential building at 1426 North 7th Street in Ludlow, North Philadelphia. The structure will replace a vacant lot on the west side of the block between Master and Jefferson streets. The building’s footprint will span 1,600 square feet and will contain 4,390 square feet of interior space, translating into an average of 1,098 square feet per apartment. Permits list 1426 N 7th LLC as the owner, Lonny Rossman as the design professional, and United Group General Contractor Inc. as the contractor. Construction costs are specified at $437,000.

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AC Hotel by Marriott via Baywood Hotels

Work Stalled On AC Hotel at 230 North 13th Street in Chinatown, Center City

7:30 am on September 24, 2021 By Thomas Koloski

Work appears stalled on the 150-room AC Hotel by Marriott planned at 230 North 13th Street in Chinatown, Center City. Designed by Bergman Associates and developed by Baywood Hotels, the project will integrate a historical building into the design. The 181-foot-tall, 15-story tower will stand out prominently in an area with few tall buildings and will offer fantastic views of the city.

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2206 North 2nd Street. Looking northwest. Credit: Google Maps

Permits Issued for Mixed-Use Building at 2206 North 2nd Street in Norris Square, North Philadelphia

7:00 am on September 24, 2021 By Vitali Ogorodnikov

Permits have been issued for the construction of a three-story, mixed-use building at 2206 North 2nd Street in Norris Square, North Philadelphia. The structure will replace a vacant lot situated on the west side of the block between West Susquehanna and West Dauphin streets. The building will rise from a 1,000-square-foot footprint and will feature 3,960 square feet of interior space, comprised of two residential units and a commercial space. The development will feature full sprinkling. The roof deck will likely provide sweeping vistas, given a near-total lack of taller buildings nearby. Permits list Adeline Kupa as the owner, Paul Dietz as the design professional, and Qazim Kupa as the contractor. Construction costs are specified at $175,000.

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