Members of the Spring Garden Civic Association (SGCA) recently voted to approve the construction of four traditional single family row homes on a vacant seven-lot parcel on 23rd Street, between Brandywine Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.

In the past

Recent shot

We first reported about the purchase of the site and two adjacent Brandywine St. homes (2230-32) by Fairmount-based developers Loonstyn Properties, last fall. Since then, the developers have worked with members of the SGCA and discussed potential design plans, none of which have been officially finalized. The project still awaits a ZBA hearing this summer.

What has been reached and agreed upon by builders and neighbors is the concept for brick facades, double-hung windows, Mansard-style upper floors, and concentrated rear parking, an element of the plans accepted after developers first presented ideas for front-of-home garages, according to SGCA member Kevin Rasmussen.

Those busy Loonstyn’s—with projects across Fairmount and out West in Mantua—who knows, with all their efforts, they might in the challenge the Blatstein’s of the world in terms of workload. The Loonstyn’s will own the majority of Fairmount and Bart will own North Broad Street and three-quarters of Northern Liberties. A tale of two developers. Or something like that.

According to Bill Loonstyn, while designs have yet to be finalized, initial plans for the new homes demonstrate 2200 sq. ft. four-bedroom structures going for somewhere in the upper $600K’s. He said he’ll appear before the ZBA within the next two months, and if approved, will break ground for about a six-month project within a couple of weeks of said decision.

Another view, a little blurry

As for buyers?

“There’s been some interest,” said Loonstyn, “but nothing’s finalized yet because we’re still working through the details.”

There you have it, folks. Yes, there’s interest. Buy quick. Thanks for calling.

–Lou Mancinelli