A month ago, we shared the news that the large lot next to Jamaican Jerk Hut which for years has been home to an outdoor seating and performance space would soon disappear, and in its place would rise a large mixed-use building. At that time, we lamented the fact that one of the better outdoor dining experiences in town would soon be no more, while at the same time cheering the fact that this large vacant lot would be developed. We also suggested that the developer would be helping the Jerk Hut negotiate with Kenny Gamble, who owns the large vacant lot on the other side of the building, to move their outdoor operation to his lot, which currently has no development plan we know of.

Yesterday, we heard a rumor that those negotiations are going well and that it’s looking likely that the Jerk Hut will move to Gamble’s lot. It’s not a done deal or anything, but it’s lookin’ good.

View of the current outdoor space

Love the landscaping

The fenced-in lot could be taken over

Meanwhile, plans for the mixed-use building have come a little more into focus. Right now, it’s looking like the development will include a five-story building with 32 apartments and a first-floor commercial space. In the rear, there will be three townhomes and a carriage house, along with access to seven parking spaces for the mixed-use building. This plan is still subject to change, but has been put together through a combination of meetings with near neighbors and the SOSNA Architectural Review Committee. The developer is actively working to craft the project to be the best it can possibly be and fit into the rest of the corridor to the greatest extent possible. Once plans from JKR Partners. are finalized, we’ll be sure to pass ’em along.

Disclosure: OCF Realty, parent company of Naked Philly, is the broker on this project.