Torresdale Manor Residences at 3600 Grant Avenue. Credit: Swimming World Magazine (left), Channel 6 ABC Action News (center left), Abitare Design Studio (right)

A Detailed Look at Torresdale Manor Residences Proposed at 3600 Grant Avenue in Torresdale, Northeast Philadelphia

Philly YIMBY recently shared new site plans and renderings for Torresdale Manor Residences, a townhouse development planned at 3600 Grant Avenue in the Academy Gardens section of Torresdale, Northeast Philadelphia. Designed by Abitare Design Studio, the project will rise at the former site of a once-renown aquatic center, shuttered after a devastating 2017 fire. The proposal includes 30 single-family residences, a new roadway, and a nature trail along the adjacent Byberry Creek. Today we take an in-depth look at the development and the insight it offers into incorporation of positive, pedestrian-friendly elements into otherwise car-oriented master plans.

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Construction Progresses at Middletown Train Station Extension in Middletown, PA

Construction has progressed at SEPTA’s Middletown Regional Rail extension. After decades of SEPTA’s transit coverage slowly shrinking, the project is an important step toward renewed expansion, making the regional rail network more easily accessible to a growing population area. The project will extend the line roughly three miles deeper into Delaware County, from the current Elwyn train station to where the former Wawa Station once stood. The station will be renamed Middletown when it opens later this year and will be the new terminus of the Media/Elwyn line, featuring a high-level island platform, a station building, and a 600-space parking garage to be used as a park-and-ride facility.

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Credit: Handel Architects.

Two-Towered Development Planned at 200 Spring Garden Street and 412 North 2nd Street in Northern Liberties

In the last few days, details have been slowly coming to light about a large potential development planned for 200 Spring Garden Street and 412 North 2nd Street in the zone situated between Northern Liberties and Old City. National Real Estate, the developers of the massive East Market complex in Center City, is behind the project. One of the two planned high-rises is a 14-story tower situated at 2nd and Spring Garden that will hold 355 residential units. The tower will stand 149 feet tall and will also include 105 parking spaces. The other building will be located at 412 North 2nd Street and will stand 244 feet and 23 floors high. Here, 397 residential units will be situated along with 106 parking spaces.

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Philadelphia skyline from South Street Bridge. Photo by Thomas Koloski

YIMBY Spots Window Washers on Philadelphia Highrises

Skyscrapers that make up the Philadelphia’s skyline must be maintained to keep a clean look that enhances the city. Though most of the cleaning takes place in warmer conditions, the towers are cleaned during all four seasons, with workers daring the conditions high above the ground. Today, Philadelphia YIMBY exhibits the crews of people who take on the hallenge to keep these large structures in good condition.

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