Earlier this month, developers Keystone Contractual Services LLC presented a proposal for three homes at 2638-42 E. Norris St. to the Fishtown Neighbors Association. This was the second time they presented to the community for this diamond-shaped parcel, having previously come with a four-home project that was shot down. Currently, the lot is one of two quirky “bathtub parks” in the area, with its sister park at the corner of Norris & Aramingo.

The site

The tubs

With the unanimous support of the community that showed up for the meeting, it looks like the smaller bathtub park will soon be replaced by three homes. We’re guessing that these homes will be offered for sale, with proximity to the highway and Girard Avenue as major selling points. Also, being close to the remaining bathtub park will probably be a perk, as well.

Looking down Norris Street, toward Aramingo

The park that will remain

Snapping photos for this post was the first time we’d ever encountered either of the bathtub parks. From poking around on public record, it appears that New Kensington CDC, the RDA, and someone who lives on the block owns the parcels that make up the park at Aramingo, so we’re guessing that this one will be sticking around for the long haul. Good news indeed. Is there a Fishtowner among us who can provide a little history about these parcels? And can ideally, explain what’s up with the bathtubs?

Not that we don’t think they’re totally awesome, because we do.