When we last brought up 1919 Market Street about six months ago, we told you that the mixed-use project planned by Brandywine Realty Trust would be delayed indefinitely. This was a bit of a bummer, as this parcel in our central business district has sat vacant for over two decades. But checking out this month’s calendar for the ZBA, it seems that the indefinite hold on the project will soon be coming to an end.

Zoning notices

Since we last told you about the project, it seems some of the specifics have changed. Previously, plans called for a twenty-five story building with 293 apartments, 286 parking spaces, 100 bike parking spaces, and retail on the first and second floors. According to the zoning application currently being considered, the new plans are for a twenty-eight story building with 278 apartments, 223 parking spaces, 108 bike parking spaces, and retail on the first floor with offices on the second floor. An old rendering shows a shorter building, and we don’t know whether the changes to the building’s insides will result in additional changes to its outsides.

Old rendering of the building, from Michael Salove Company

One thing we’re pleased will remain in the modified project is an outdoor rooftop pool, something that should be included in every new apartment building in Philadelphia (can you tell we’re ready for the weather to break?). Other residential amenities will also be found on the roof, like a fitness center and a lounge. And as for the retail on the first floor, we haven’t heard about any possible tenants just yet. Maybe some info will come out once the building gets zoning approval.

View from the corner, into the sun

Hopefully, the project will get the necessary approvals and this embarrassing vacant lot will finally be filled in. Two summers ago, this lot was home to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Pop Up Garden. Hopefully, the embarrassing lot on the 1900 block of Walnut Street that was home to the garden last summer will soon follow in this lot’s footsteps and likewise undergo a long-overdue redevelopment. Hey, we can dream, right?

Update: Here’s a newer rendering, from Brandywine’s CDR submission. Certainly an improvement. Thanks to commenter Nick Frontino for the link.

Two perspectives