Considering how quickly the first row of homes went up, it comes as little surprise that the second phase is already progressing. Should just be a few more months now until this whole thing is buttoned up.
We still wish they had found some way to reuse the old warehouse, but unfortunately nobody asked us before they tore it down...
In October, we told you that groundbreaking for Renewbold would finally be taking place at 16th & Moore. For decades, this was the site of the Drexel School. After the school was demolished, the parcel sat vacant for several years, as planning for Renewbold progressed. Now, nine new homes have sprung from the ground.
We've continued to write about different retail that’s filled up vacant spots along the already well-developed North 2nd Street commercial corridor in Northern Liberties, and now a frozen yogurt shop is the latest proposal to reach the area.
Now it's a new mixed-use development with residential units above. It's the sort of development the NLNA is looking for. It keeps eyes on the street and encourages pedestrian traffic. It also ties into the new age designs and architecture that have veered away from traditional brick row home exteriors that has accompanied the wave of redevelopment in Northern Liberties.
A few weeks back, after yet another snow storm, the third floor of 848 Wharton St. collapsed under the weight of all that white stuff. We passed by the other day and the property has been totally cleared. It's now a vacant lot.
In the past
Now a slightly blurry lot
For years, this property has sat vacant, catty corner from the extremely popular and visible Pat's Steaks. You may recall, a couple of years ago, we openly wondered about the vacant lot on the northeast corner of this intersection, wondering why it hasn't been developed. Interestingly, the large vacant lot is owned by Anna and Maria Olivieri, according to public record. The recently collapsed building is owned by Maria Olivieri, which may or may not be the same person who owns the large lot across the street.
Several years ago, a giant old warehouse building at 2152 E. Dauphin St. was converted into 24 apartment units. Last summer, building owner Troy Timpel hired D&D Philly Designs, the guys who did the work for the reconstruction of Jerry's Bar, to design an addition to the building. Timpel runs Original Eddie's Tattoo and Tattoo Kingpin, and runs one of his businesses out of the building. Where the addition has risen, there was once a one-story garage.
In the past
Current view
The new building has a new commercial space and five new apartments. We don't believe that there's a tenant in that commercial space as of yet, but maybe somebody who lives nearby has some insight?
We like the fact that the new building fits in nicely with the old structure next door. Sure, the new guy looks a little different from its sibling and its certainly not as ornate, but it makes a fitting neighbor. And nobody will argue, it's a great improvement over what was there before, ya know?
