Developer aims to convert vacant North Philadelphia warehouse into affordable housing community.
A New Jersey-based developer is poised to initiate a significant transformation of a city block in North Philadelphia with an ambitious residential project comprising 232 homes, designed as a mixture of triplexes and quadplexes. Located at 2200 N. Eighth Street, this development is a response to community input and reflects a notable reduction from its original proposal of 500 units, which faced considerable opposition during early discussions.
This site, which previously housed a derelict warehouse, encompasses an entire block bordered by Eighth and Ninth Streets, as well as Susquehanna Avenue and Dauphin Streets. The community’s initial concerns were primarily centered around the scale of the project and the overarching design, which would have resulted in a solid block multi-story apartment building. Following extensive dialogue with the development team, community leaders expressed satisfaction with the revised plan, noting the lower density aligns better with local sentiment and incorporates essential elements of feedback.
The development plan includes the removal of most existing curb cuts associated with the former warehouse, the renovation of the sidewalk, and the planting of 44 trees in an effort to enhance the urban landscape. Furthermore, features such as designated bike parking and homes that face the sidewalk will improve pedestrian accessibility and neighborhood aesthetics.
Despite being situated near Temple University’s campus, the project is not primarily geared towards student housing. Instead, the developer aims to offer units that would be financially attainable for local families, targeting household incomes within the range of ,360 to ,600 for two-person families. The developer has committed to ensuring that some units remain available to Housing Choice Voucher holders, also known as Section 8 recipients, with plans for outreach to local community organizations to attract tenants from within the neighborhood.
As the project moves forward, the developer is navigating zoning requirements, as the land remains designated for industrial use. Initial feedback from the Civic Design Review committee has been largely positive, acknowledging the potential for enhancing community vitality while also flagging the need for more public space. The developer has emphasized its focus on meeting both community desires and regulatory obligations, although some committee members have expressed a preference for a balanced approach that does not overemphasize parking.
The proposal signifies a pivotal moment in North Philadelphia’s development landscape, as it strives to revitalize a neglected block while addressing community housing needs. As discussions progress, the outcomes of community engagement and regulatory processes will play a crucial role in determining the project’s final form and impact on the area. Further developments will be monitored closely as the project seeks to actualize its vision for the neighborhood.
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