The Callowhill neighborhood is loaded with potential, and it's definitely heading in the right direction, but there are still some areas that look pretty awful. The point where Ridge Avenue hits Callowhill Street is one such location, with some old warehouses, a tire store that tried to dress itself up with a mural, some vacant land, and a surface parking lot.
But there is cause for so much optimism here, folks. In the first image, in the background on the right side, you can see ongoing renovation efforts at the former Haverford Cycle Company building. Remember, we told you about this a few months ago, explaining that the building was transforming into an office/creative space with retail on the first floor. Dubbed 448 N 10th Street (you'll always know where it is!), this project should provide the neighborhood with a steady flow of people during business hours. Directly in front of 448 N 10th Street and visible in the first three photos is the Reading viaduct aka the future Rail Park. And by the way, construction started recently on said Rail Park, and once that opens up it'll lure folks to the neighborhood on nights and weekends. Ooh it's gonna be sweet.
We've learned that something else could be in the hopper to change this intersection as well, the redevelopment of the triangular parking lot in the images above. This property, 1001 Ridge Ave., was home to a small restaurant back in the day but that building was torn down about a decade ago. Then the parcel sat empty for awhile, before turning into a surface lot somewhat recently. But if the owners of the property get their way, the parcel won't be a parking lot for long. Plans call for a mixed-use building with ground-floor retail, 48 apartments, and 15 parking spots. The project will also have a green roof and fantastic views of the Rail Park. Of course, it will be a little unfortunate that views will be blocked from the park, but honestly, would you prefer this parcel continue to be used as a surface lot?
We don't believe that this project needs to go to Civic Design Review, as it appears it will fall right below a few of the thresholds that require the extra scrutiny. As such, we don't have any pretty renderings to share at this time. Has anyone seen plans for this project? Given the gritty, industrial look of the immediate area, we'd love to see something ultra-contemporary that really draws a contrast. But let's be honest, anything that doesn't involve stucco will be a good start.