81-Unit Apartment Building Planned for Development in East Mount Airy

TierView Development has proposed an ambitious 81-unit apartment complex at 6903-6915 Germantown Avenue in the Mount Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia. This project aims to provide mid-market rental options while also featuring family-sized units to accommodate diverse living situations.

The envisioned five-story building will offer 11 parking spaces situated at the rear of the property, alongside over 2,700 square feet designated for retail purposes. The design integrates building materials that seek to harmonize with the local architectural aesthetic, particularly the historic structure located at 6901 Germantown Avenue. The overall vision, as explained by TierView Development executives, is to create a design that is thoughtful and reflective of the community’s historical context.

Of the total units, seven will be allocated as affordable housing for individuals earning 60% of the area’s median income, which amounts to just over ,000 for a one-person household. The remaining units are expected to have rental prices that remain moderately above this threshold, with an average aimed at tenants making 79% of the area median income.

The proposed mix includes a variety of living spaces, from studios and one-bedroom apartments to two-bedroom units adequately sized for families. This range reflects the demographic diversity of prospective tenants that TierView has experienced within their existing 200 units in Northwest Philadelphia. The demographic appeal extends to a wide audience, from recent graduates to established long-term residents seeking rental options over homeownership, underlining the strategic focus on the middle-market price bracket.

Furthermore, the design of TierView’s Northwest Philadelphia apartments tends to favor more spacious layouts compared to those found closer to Center City. This can be attributed to both the lower land costs in Northwest Philadelphia and the varying space requirements of its tenants, who often include families with children and other young adults.

While the proposed development has garnered significant interest, it still awaits approvals from various city authorities, including the Historical Commission and the Zoning Board of Adjustment. A key concern raised by local residents involves the limited number of parking spaces available; however, these restrictions are partly dictated by historical preservation guidelines and the presence of protected trees on the site. TierView is exploring alternative solutions for off-site parking to address these community concerns.

Community engagement has been a focus of this project, with the Mt. Airy Business Improvement District hosting meetings in June that resulted in a supportive endorsement for the development. This backing highlights the project’s potential to attract more residents and customers to the area, enriching the local economy and supporting the commercial corridor.

As the planning process unfolds, TierView Development is poised to contribute significantly to the evolving landscape of Mount Airy, balancing the need for new housing with preservation of community character and heritage. Media News Source.