New building to provide 46 apartments in Germantown.

A new residential development is underway in Germantown, Northwest Philadelphia, marking a significant addition to the local housing landscape. The project, developed by longtime local developer Ken Weinstein, will consist of 46 apartment units at 5322-28 Germantown Avenue. This five-story building will also feature more than 1,600 square feet of commercial space and provide 17 parking spaces for residents and visitors.

Situated in Germantown’s Penn Knox area, this development is part of a broader trend of increasing interest in multifamily construction within the neighborhood, which previously saw limited real estate development in the latter half of the 20th century. Weinstein emphasized that the demand for housing in Germantown continues to surpass available supply, necessitating new residential options across various income levels. The neighborhood’s attractive positioning near public transit and Fairmount Park further enhances its appeal as an affordable alternative to more expensive areas near downtown Philadelphia.

Weinstein plans to break ground on the building in January 2024, with essential funding and contractor arrangements already secured. Notably, the project did not require any approvals from the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment, thus exempting Weinstein from mandatory consultations with local community groups. Nevertheless, he proactively engaged with the Penn Knox Neighborhood Association to address any potential concerns related to the construction.

Deneene Brockington, chair of the neighborhood association, expressed optimism about the local development, highlighting Weinstein’s commitment to the community and the respectful dialogue surrounding the project. Primary concerns raised by the community involved building materials and lighting, both of which Weinstein has reportedly addressed.

Parking has not emerged as a significant issue, according to Weinstein, given the development’s location in a commercially active corridor. Although the zoning code does not mandate the inclusion of parking spaces, Weinstein indicated that he aimed to provide additional spots but faced constraints due to land use regulations preferring commercial programming.

The proposed apartment units will be divided into 28 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom configurations, with rental rates projected to range from ,450 to ,200. However, it’s important to note that no subsidized or affordable housing units are included in the development.

Set for completion within 18 months following the groundbreaking, the new building’s commercial space remains available for lease. Weinstein has expressed interest in seeing a café or coffee shop occupy the ground floor, especially in light of nearby changes, such as Uncle Bobbie’s bookstore relocating, which may draw a customer base from local schools and the wider community.

As Germantown continues to evolve, this new project reflects an ongoing effort to meet the growing housing demand while fostering community engagement and commercial revitalization.

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