We were in the neighborhood the other day, and noticed some construction activity at 1538-40 Ogden St., in the form of formwork. This is immediately next door to the rear of the future home of the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale, which we told you about over the summer.

Future foundations

Future Chorale space on the left. Still don't know what that thing is on the roof.

Blown out shell on the right. Nice L&I notice!

The developers, Ogden Realty LP, purchased the lot for $120K in May of last year. According to the application to the ZBA, they intend to construct a five-story, six-unit building (we’d guess three units on each lot). The building will have roof decks as well.

Though there has been plenty of development in Francisville, it’s always great to see a new project get off the ground. It’s especially encouraging to see this in this immediate area, where there are still numerous vacant lots and a few projects appear to have stalled over the past year.

Around the corner. Photo taken in August. No progress since.

Hopefully, with these new buildings and the upcoming Chorale project, this block will generate a little more buzz moving forward, and some of these vacant lots, piles or dirt, and lonely foundations will finally get developed.