Just over a decade ago, the popular Oak Lane Diner was struck by a fire, ultimately resulting in the building’s demolition. Though the diner’s kitschy coffee cup styled sign has remained, the site at 6528 N Broad St. has remained vacant ever since. But that could soon change.

Last year, developers came to the Civic Design Review committee with plans for a seven story building with underground parking, a restaurant on the ground floor, offices on the 2nd floor, and 65 apartments on the upper floors. These apartments were intended as senior housing, with 46 of the units reserved as affordable. The project was allowed by right, but its size necessitated the CDR process.

Because the CDR committee doesn’t have authority to block projects, developers often will only respond to CDR feedback with superficial changes, especially if they aren’t seeking a variance. But in this instance some major changes were proposed, with significant changes to the materials used for the facades, with brick and sandstone incorporated in a design that had been formerly nearly entirely panelized.

In the latest plans from Parallel Architecture, we see that 20 parking spots will be located in the basement, accessed via a curb cut off Old York Road in the rear of the building. In addition, the unit count has dropped to 60, with 42 of those being offered at affordable rental rates. It will be interesting, years from now, to see how much the outdoor seating and patio area in front of our building get used. While all of the traffic on Broad Street might make this outdoor space less enjoyable, we’re hoping the wall of trees and landscaping will make this little spot a nice place to hangout for both customers and residents. Oh, and speaking of customers, if there was ever any doubt, the new renderings show a reopened Oak Lane Diner on the first floor of the new building.

With these new drawings released and new permits issued, we’re feeling optimistic that we will see this long fallow site get redeveloped soon. It might have taken us years to get to this point, but the new building is a dramatic step up for this property, allowing it to reach its highest and best use. The fact that this project will provide housing for a subset of the population that’s significantly underserved AND allow for the return of an iconic diner makes this thing feel like a grand slam. And yeah, we know that’s a Denny’s breakfast special, but the reference is close enough for us.