We're unapologetically pro-development here at Naked Philly (we're owned by a real estate developer, after all), but every now and then we encounter a project that we struggle to get behind. Such is the case at 1857 N. Willington St., where a new triplex is currently under construction. Developers bought this property for $270K earlier this year and decided to demolish the building that was standing on the site. This happens all the time, of course, but this one feels like a more significant loss because of the unusual architectural features of the demolished building.
You can see, the building had a twin which is an active rental property. The cornice of that property isn't nearly as intact as was the cornice next door.
There are three other pairs of twins on this block, clearly designed by the same architect and possibly built at the same time.
The details on these homes are amazing and certainly not something you see every day. Look at the mansards! The second floor cornices! The third floor sunburst cornices!
It looks like several of these homes have been renovated in recent years, so we can hope that they'll be spared the wrecking ball as the student housing tidal wave continues to wash over this neighborhood in the years to come. In the meantime, we suggest you visit this block at some point to see these beautiful buildings with your own eyes.