Several months ago, we told you that a large lot on the 1400 block of South Street which had for years been used by the Jamaican Jerk Hut for music and outdoor seating was set to be redeveloped. At that time, we mentioned that the developers, the folks who built the mixed-use building down the street at 1612-16 South St., were still trying to determine exactly what they would do on the lot. We noted that a six-story building on South Street with forty apartments would have been permitted by right. We also mentioned that possibility of a six-story project going all the way to Kater Street, with seventy-two apartments.
It seems that they have opted for a little less height and density than we might have expected, and are proposing a five-story, 32-unit mixed-use building for the site. In the rear, there will be three single family homes and one carriage house which hovers over access to a small parking area in the rear. JKR Partners has done the design work for the project, and we present their renderings for your consideration.
What do you think about the project? Do you wish it was shorter? Taller? Are you as excited about the prospect of a really big retail space on South Street West as we are? What would you like to see fill that space? It seems likely that the project will go through some small changes before it's finalized but it seems like a safe bet that it will strongly resemble the project you see above in terms of appearance and content.
Hopefully, the plans that we heard about for the Jerk Hut to move their operations to the huge lot on their opposite side will come to fruition. And this block will be able to enjoy new development and keep the outdoor energy that their business has provided for so many years.
Please note: OCF Realty, parent company of Naked Philly, is the broker on this project.