Developers and members of the Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association (NLNA) have compromised on a project that will turn a building that some considered a nuisance property into nine residential units.

338-40 Brown St. and 723-25 N. 4th St. most recently hosted Media Bureau, a company that produced film and music as well as hosted some (occasionally loud and very late) showcases. But now they are out, their website leads to nowhere and signs point to more density for the neighborhood that seems to increase its population every time the NLNA zoning committee meets, which is usually twice a month.

Building on the left

This compromise comes after talks between developers and the NLNA following developers’ first presentation in August. At that time a decision was postponed to allow time for developers to create an improved parking plan and a window layout on the east side consistent with requirements of the Board of Building Standards. The developers clearly had some design obstacles to overcome due the the land-locked nature of the building.

Garage entrance on 4th Street

Those issues appear to have been resolved. Approval came with the condition developers inform the ZBA that the NLNA is okay with the project, but felt two of the units failed to offer enough light. The plan, designed by Harman Deutsch, includes five parking spots for cars and nine for bicycles. Urban Steel LLC purchased both properties separately on the same day last June for $700K.

In December, the ZBA gave its approval to the project. Work should be getting underway very soon, which can only mean one thing: the line at Honey’s across the street will soon be getting just a little bit longer.

Thirty steps away.

–Lou Mancinelli