PHILADELPHIA | Lowrise/General Developments Thread - Page 1142

reparcsyks · #**22821** Posted **Dec 12, 2022, 6:51 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastSideHBG

I can see both sides of the coin here, especially when you consider how crappy some of these apartment buildings become over time.

Absolutely agree - there's no point in throwing up cardboard buildings just to turn a quick buck. What I've found from living here though, is that the residents don't understand how much better their neighborhood can be if the density is there. I have encountered so much suburban mentality in NW Philly, to the point of wondering why they even live in the "city."

I'll leave you with a crazy story: We had a babysitter who was 16 -- grew up on our street. One night my wife and I returned from a night out. She asked us where we had been, and I replied Rittenhouse Square. It was then that she informed me that she had never been to Center City. I was dumbfounded. She had never been to South Street, or Old City, or anywhere in Philly proper. She only hung out in Roxborough and the Plymouth Meeting Mall.

I bet this story isn't uncommon.

EastSideHBG · #**22822** Posted **Dec 12, 2022, 9:42 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by reparcsyks

Absolutely agree - there's no point in throwing up cardboard buildings just to turn a quick buck. What I've found from living here though, is that the residents don't understand how much better their neighborhood can be if the density is there. I have encountered so much suburban mentality in NW Philly, to the point of wondering why they even live in the "city."

I'll leave you with a crazy story: We had a babysitter who was 16 -- grew up on our street. One night my wife and I returned from a night out. She asked us where we had been, and I replied Rittenhouse Square. It was then that she informed me that she had never been to Center City. I was dumbfounded. She had never been to South Street, or Old City, or anywhere in Philly proper. She only hung out in Roxborough and the Plymouth Meeting Mall.

I bet this story isn't uncommon.

Not uncommon at all and when I first moved to the area it was a little surprising how territorial it was and how there were many people who didn't venture much outside of their immediate area and didn't care to either. But I guess if you can get everything you need close to home what incentive is there to go elsewhere unless you have the wandering/exploring type of personality?

mcgrath618 · #**22823** Posted **Dec 12, 2022, 9:54 PM**

The apartment building being built next to Clark Park is finally above ground.

Aaamazarite · #**22824** Posted **Dec 13, 2022, 2:12 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastSideHBG

One counterpoint here is that if you push too far you end up losing long-term residents to the 'burbs and that could start to backfire over time. I am not making a case against densifying and some of the arguments can be ridiculous but I think overdevelopment for development's sake can be detrimental and the overall character of the neighborhood should be taken into consideration. I am a fan of the more hybrid neighborhoods, though, and Roxborough immediately comes to mind when I think of an example of this.

It's a tough line to walk and I can see both sides of the coin here, especially when you consider how crappy some of these apartment buildings become over time.

It's true that the developers that are operating here have been putting up really crap designs-- one developer in particular has been prolific on Ridge Ave and their designs are what 19th century architecture critics used to call "very terrible". They did restore a couple of historic buildings as part of their developments but their buildings are horribly designed.

Quote:

Don't get me started on East Falls. Actual quote from the meetings when Ridge Flats was first proposed: 'Where will I park when I'm running in to get a slice of pizza from Slices?" NW Philly will be dragged kicking and screaming into density.

Here are some actual quotes from Roxborough residents about development:

"Our way of life is being destroyed" (in reference to a four-story apartment building being built on a 100% impermeable retail pad site that was contaminated)
"People will park in front of my house" (a Wissahickon Hills resident, where all 406 homes have driveways and garages)
"Stop building towers!" (in reference to a four story building)

Ridge Park Civic Association has been having fundraisers to pay lawyers to appeal by-right developments. One single family home project was held in litigation for years.

700 Level · #**22825** Posted **Dec 13, 2022, 2:57 PM**

This is one of my all-time favorite NIMBY comments. This is a comment mixed in with barrage of the typical NIMBY arguments. This letter was written in opposition to a multifamily structure in the center of Swarthmore, steps away from the train station:

"Crumby and Delsen are building this structure for financial gain to sell to buyers, who, in turn, sell to reap a return on their investment or leave it to their beneficiaries."

How dare they profit or pass the gains to their beneficiaries! (Said the longtime homeowner who's property has probably appreciated many fold over the years.)

Urbanthusiat · #**22826** Posted **Dec 13, 2022, 4:21 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by 700 Level

"Crumby and Delsen are building this structure for financial gain to sell to buyers, who, in turn, sell to reap a return on their investment or leave it to their beneficiaries."

jaysb · #**22827** Posted **Dec 13, 2022, 5:12 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by 700 Level

"Crumby and Delsen are building this structure for financial gain to sell to buyers, who, in turn, sell to reap a return on their investment or leave it to their beneficiaries."

BIG, if true!

PhilliesPhan · #**22828** Posted **Dec 14, 2022, 4:26 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaamazarite

Here are some actual quotes from Roxborough residents about development:

"Our way of life is being destroyed" (in reference to a four-story apartment building being built on a 100% impermeable retail pad site that was contaminated)
"People will park in front of my house" (a Wissahickon Hills resident, where all 406 homes have driveways and garages)
"Stop building towers!" (in reference to a four story building)

Ridge Park Civic Association has been having fundraisers to pay lawyers to appeal by-right developments. One single family home project was held in litigation for years.

My absolute favorite quote from Roxborough residents is that Ridge Avenue is starting to look like New York with all of the new apartment buildings popping up. All I can think is "tell me you haven't spent that much time in New York without telling me you haven't spent that much time in New York."

These are the same people who complain about the lack of businesses along Ridge (there are actually some great spots such as New Ridge Brewing Company and White Yak, but there could be more) compared to Main Street and the fact that we don't have a Trader Joe's, but they want to keep everything as it is? I agree that many of the new buildings are fugly (especially the new one set to rise by Ridge and Parker) and I do like the concept of a hybrid neighborhood, but it's as if they don't realize we live in the 2nd largest city on the East Coast.

Londonee · #**22829** Posted **Dec 14, 2022, 4:53 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mtphilly

It’s astonishing to me that we can’t get better tenants on East Market. You would think someone would understand the potential with all the tourists going between center city and old city.

I mean, there's a massive mall full of good tenants on Market East.

mcgrath618 · #**22830** Posted **Dec 14, 2022, 5:08 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Londonee

I mean, there's a massive mall full of good tenants on Market East.

You wouldn’t know from walking on the street. Which is why the Gallery is such a problem.

skyhigh07 · #**22831** Posted **Dec 14, 2022, 5:51 PM**

The Gallery is what it is, but I think there is a point to be made that overall there is a certain void within the Philly retail sector compared to other cities for whatever reason. This has been discussed quite a bit on here. We don’t even have a BR and Zara anymore…

TonyTone · #**22832** Posted **Dec 14, 2022, 6:05 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyhigh07

The Gallery is what it is, but I think there is a point to be made that overall there is a certain void within the Philly retail sector compared to other cities for whatever reason. This has been discussed quite a bit on here. We don’t even have a BR and Zara anymore…

Lol it's funny how we always end up back on certain topics.

Ill say the one thing to get everyone rilled up

"The market is not built up enough in The City of Philadelphia to support High End Luxury Stores"

summersm343 · #**22833** Posted **Dec 14, 2022, 6:47 PM**

Clearing the Way on Callowhill for 220 Units Next to Howie’s House

Current progress of 417 Callowhill Street:

Project rendering:

Read/view more here:
https://www.ocfrealty.com/naked-phil...o-howies-house

summersm343 · #**22834** Posted **Dec 14, 2022, 6:51 PM**

We Could See 96 More Units on Exploding Stretch of N. Front St. in NoLibs (Waterfront/Riverfront)

Quote:

Today we are focusing on 901 N. Front St., where this unremarkable building and parking lot recently changed hands.

While there are no specific plans yet for this CMX-3 zoned lot, according to a listing, this approximately 15K sqft property could become 96 units by right – most certainly a sizable project if the future owners choose to maximize its zoning potential.

Read/view more here:
https://www.ocfrealty.com/naked-phil...t-st-in-nolibs

summersm343 · #**22835** Posted **Dec 14, 2022, 6:52 PM**

918-80 N. Delaware Avenue update from Naked Philly

Current progress:

Project rendering:

Read/view more here:
https://www.ocfrealty.com/naked-phil...t-st-in-nolibs

skyhigh07 · #**22836** Posted **Dec 14, 2022, 6:53 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyTone

Lol it's funny how we always end up back on certain topics.

Ill say the one thing to get everyone rilled up

"The market is not built up enough in The City of Philadelphia to support High End Luxury Stores"

Lol. I think there’s a market. It’s not the strongest but it’s there. If downtown Detroit can get a Gucci, I think we’re worth attracting a few high end retailers at this point.

I think it always come back around to KOP being the issue.