Back in 2014, we first covered an interesting development case at 245 S. 45th St., where an old derelict Victorian rowhome was being torn down and replaced with a fifteen unit building, taking up another vacant parcel next door. We then checked back in on the project last summer to find it completely built out but still missing its facade. At that time, it was becoming ever more obvious that this building was not going to fit very well into the neighborhood of beautiful architecture. Here's what the building looks like today:

New apartment building on the right, traditional Spruce Hill home on the left

Not terrible, but not great either. In case you didn't notice it in the photo, there's a gaping hole right in between the newer building and the older ones. Just last summer, this lot held a perfectly functioning 6 bedroom rental house, practically identical to its neighbors, renting out for $2300 a month. It was torn down over the past few months and it looks like a new building, which will copy the format of its brand new neighbor, will be built in its stead. Last year, the property was sold to an owner under the name South Fortyfive 243 for the sizable sum of $400K.

The old house looked something like its neighbors, above.

Perhaps encouraged by what Glasberg Properties was doing next door, the new owner knew they could pack more units into this property. When walking by a few weeks ago, we saw there was interior demolition going on and hoped that the new owner would possibly keep the facade intact. It turns out we were being a bit idealistic in that thought.

Old building gone, new foundation in

The neighbors on this block are none too happy about the project and voiced as much to us as we were checking out the property. From what we can tell on the permits, the new apartment building will be 4 stories and designed by Harman Deutsch. We don't have any other details besides that. We imagine that it will match the height of its newer neighbor, though we're sure it won't match the craftsmanship or architecture exhibited by its older ones. Though, who knows, we've seen developers do a fair job at fitting in (or at least, not clashing) with the Victorian beauty of the neighborhood. Specifically, we've seen Harman Deutsch do it before. Let's hope they try to do it again. Moving forward, what can be done in this neighborhood to make sure it doesn't lose its unique architectural character?