501 Spring Garden Street. Credit: BLT Architects

Developer Acquires Site for 382-Unit Building Proposed at 501 Spring Garden Street in Northern Liberties, North Philadelphia

Developer RREI LLC, run by the father-son team of Neal and Victor Rodin, has announced the completion of the $16 million purchase of the 105,899-square-foot lot at 501 Spring Garden Street (aka 501-39 Spring Garden Street) in Northern Liberties, North Philadelphia, where they plan to construct a large mixed-use project. Designed by BLT Architects, the 13-story building will feature 382 residences and 60,810 square feet of retail, as well as 211 parking spaces. The acquisition was complicated by the site’s ownership being split between 11 different entities, and took five years to complete as the result. Having finally completed the transaction, the team is ready for the next steps in adding this important project to the up-and-coming neighborhood.

Read More

Philadelphia 1945 and 2020 south elevation. Model and image by Thomas Koloski

Philadelphia YIMBY Compares Massing Renderings of the 1945 and the 2020 Skyline

In the mid-1940s, the Philadelphia skyline still maintained the general look it received during the construction boom of the 1920s and 1930, when several new towers added significant mass to the Center City skyline. The Philadelphia City Hall still topped the skyline at 548 feet tall, but by the 40s more high-rises were nearing the top of the clock tower, with several rising in the 300-foot range. A number of Art Deco buildings stood out, with predominantly light and dark brown shades. Today Philly YIMBY compares massing renderings of the 1945 skyline and the 2020 skyline.

Read More

The Metropolitan, looking northeast, via the building's official website

Taking A Look At The Metropolitan at 117 North 15th Street in Center City

A large number of impressive structures rose in Center City in the first three decades of the 20th century. Several were built in close proximity to City Hall, such as The Metropolitan at 117 North 15th Street in Center City. Designed by Louis E. Jallade, who designed various structures in New York and beyond, the high-rise started construction in 1926 and was completed in 1928. The 26-story tower, which stands just to the northeast of the iconic Love Park, currently houses residential space.

Read More


Delaware River Trail. Image via Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

Delaware River Trail Underway Near Penn’s Landing Redevelopment in Center City

The Delaware River Trail that sits just next to the site of the recently proposed Penn’s Landing redevelopment is underway in between the public space and the Interstate 95. The project is a part the Master Plan for the Central Delaware, which will extend and enhance the waterfront. Developed by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, the project will feature open space extending for six miles along the Delaware River from Oregon Avenue in South Philadelphia to East Allegheny Avenue in Kensington, with the trail divided into four zones. The public space will feature new vegetation and planting, bi-directional bicycle lanes, solar lighting, and improved public access to the trail.

Read More