Transit-oriented development. It’s got a ring to it, and in places like Sweden and Denmark it’s been happening for decades. It’s the kind of urban development that provides mixed-use buildings close to transit stations, and it’s something that we’ve been only marginally successful with in Philadelphia over the years.

At 9th and Norris Streets, near Temple University, a huge lot has been razed and construction trailers and equipment are on site immediately adjacent to the Temple University regional rail station. Here, a 120-unit project called Paseo Verde Transit Village Residencies (1900 N. 9th St.) will soon rise.

The corner

Looking south at the site

In a neighborhood ripe with development, this project, on which developers broke ground in February, is slated for completion in the summer of 2013, and will feature 67 market-rate and 53 affordable housing one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. The mixed-use development will also include about 30K sqft of commercial space. That includes a health center operated by Public Health Management Corporation, and new headquarters for the Asociación de Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM), a development partner on this project, along with Jonathan Rose Companies. The remainder of the commercial space will be used as a community center for residents to congregate, host meetings, and access technological resources. APM, a Latino-based health, human services, community and economic non-profit organization will provide courses on subjects like financial literacy.

Check out these renderings, from Wallace Roberts & Todd:

This project looks sharp

Nice design, and green roofs!

Striking at night

Elevations

Additional elevations

“Really [transit-oriented development is] a tool that features many facets that help bring about a sustainable community,” said Rose Gray of APM. She said it’s a theme cities like L.A. and Chicago have followed for a decade now. The project will include sustainable elements and will be LEED certified.

With this development, and countless student housing projects only blocks away, the Temple neighborhood is being revitalized almost as fast as the school’s football program, which may yet crack the top 25 sometime soon, and has produced a couple of NFL draft picks in recent years.

Can’t wait to see what’s next.

–Lou Mancinelli