Four years ago, plans for the green-inspired Duck Flats in Northern Liberties flattered sustainable enthusiasts and excited local realty buffs. The project called for 10 new units in two buildings on the 800 block of N. Lawrence Street, and 15 units in three buildings on the 800 block of N. 4th St. But recession came in like a three-year-long cloud and the project appeared dead.

Original project

Lawrence side

Happily, this project was on the agenda again recently during a Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association (NLNA) zoning meeting, albeit, more hypothetically than anything. NLNA approved a revision to the project to only 22 units in two-phases in the form of one four-story, seven-unit structure from Lawrence Street to Leithgow, with fifteen units to come later on 4th Street.

Current view on Lawrence St.

The building, located at 817-21 N. Lawrence St., will feature a green-roof and three one-bedroom about 850 sq ft units, three two-bedroom about 1700 sq ft units, and one three bedroom about 2500 sq ft unit, which is now under contract, according to architect Ted Singer, a member of Onion Flats, the firm that is designing the project. According to Singer, the remaining 15 flats might not be built for a few years. Singer said he expects to break ground by this spring, after appearing before the ZBA. He also said that new renderings were too rough to be released at this point.

Greensaw shop, future Duck Flats?

At 4th Street, from 818-824 N. 4th St. an old garage once stored the duck boats that provide rides through town. Hence the name, Duck Flats. It currently serves as the shop for Greensaw Design, Onion Flats’ supply shop. While most of this project has apparently been brought back to life, there’s no telling when the rest of the Duck Flats might go waddle into town. We’ll just have to wait and see.

–Lou Mancinelli