In South Kensington we're seeing a flurry of development with a handful of projects finished and others just getting started. And as the neighborhood has seen more development, we've seen it spread further north and west. For example, just last month we told you about new condos coming on 7th Street north of Thompson Street. This project comes on the heels of a mixed-use development that arrived last year at the corner of 7th & Thompson. And there's a number of projects near 6th & Thompson as well.
Considering that, and the continued distressed state of many parcels in the neighborhood, it was positive to hear about plans for redevelopment a few blocks to the north, on the northeast corner of 6th & Oxford.
Earlier this summer, developers presented plans for nine apartments at this corner, including the vacant building next door on Master Street. We're not sure whether the project would have reused the existing buildings, which have excellent bones, or demolished them in favor of something new. It's all academic though, because the ZBA denied their application. We weren't at the hearing so we're only speculating, but perhaps the Zoning Board wanted to see the preservation of corner commercial here. Or maybe the unit count was higher than they thought would be appropriate. So now the property sits in limbo while the developers determine their next steps.
We're hopeful though, that they'll come up with something and redevelop this property in the near future. Once this blight gets eliminated, perhaps it will mean good things for two other corners of this intersection which have been sitting vacant for many years. But still, the fact that developers are even entertaining redevelopment in this part of the neighborhood means that we could see those vacant lots turn over whether or not the northeast corner changes soon.
For those looking for vacant land, this part of the neighborhood certainly presents an opportunity. But perhaps not for much longer.