If you’ve driven or biked over the South Street bridge in the past week or so, you’ve probably noticed a demolition project going on at the base of the bridge, on Schuylkill Ave. Here are some recent photos, with accompanying shots of what was demolished.

Same view, from a few months ago. Image Copyright Google, 2011

The demolition is in anticipation of a huge CHOP project set to proceed over the next several years. According to CHOP PR Director George Bochanski Jr., this project is moving through the planning stages, with development RFP’s currently being analyzed and contracts still a few months away from being awarded. The site, which will stretch across a 9 acre plot on Schuylkill Ave, will include the areas photographed above and the former JFK Vocational High School. CHOP will mostly house clinical research and operations for the hospital on Schuylkill Ave., in a space that will approach a million square feet. This development represents a return to the eastern banks of the river, where CHOP was located until 1974.

The bad news: Springfield Beer Distributor, the most convenient beer distributor for most of Center City West, is moving to 24th and Oregon. The good news: It’ll be at least several months before that move takes place. With CHOP still deciding exactly how the development will take shape, Springfield will be allowed to continue operations, and we will continue to enjoy a local beer distributor with excellent delivery services. So drink ’em while you can, folks- for the children.