Proposal for 140 Townhouses in Gated Community Near Packer Park Submitted for Approval
A former warehouse site owned by the Philadelphia Housing Authority is being redeveloped into a gated community featuring 140 townhouses, situated near FDR Park at 3100 Penrose Ferry Road. This transformation aims to meet the growing demand for residential housing in the area, while also enhancing neighborhood aesthetics and community facilities.
The site was acquired by Trove Capital, a Philadelphia-based developer, for .5 million in June. The proposed residential complex, dubbed Southpointe, will consist of various clusters of townhomes, arranged in groups of three to seven units. Each townhouse design includes two dedicated parking spaces, supplemented by an additional 141 surface parking spaces within the complex.
Justin Vesey, the developer behind the project, has emphasized a vision for the community that goes beyond housing. The development plans also incorporate a range of amenities, including a playground, dog park, and sports facilities featuring basketball and pickleball courts. The conceptualization of Southpointe intends to create a cohesive and contemporary neighborhood characterized by pedestrian-friendly elements.
According to the development package submitted to the city, the Southpointe project is designed to resonate with the surrounding neighborhoods, which are predominantly auto-oriented townhouse developments like Packer Park and Siena Place. The proposal has been presented as a “cohesive contemporary neighborhood,” which aims to blend in and maintain the regional architectural rhythm.
While the project is not subject to zoning board approval, it is scheduled to be reviewed by the advisory Civic Design Review board on October 6. This review process serves to evaluate design and community integration aspects of the development.
The project has gained support from the Packer Park Civic Association, with Barbara Capozzi, the organization’s leader, noting the positive reception within the community. She mentioned that the development team has successfully addressed community concerns and secured approval, highlighting its potential fit within the existing urban fabric.
An earlier proposal for Southpointe included an additional 12 townhouses, bringing the total to 152. However, feedback from the city Planning Commission prompted the developer to scale back the project. The revisions focused on improving pedestrian access by widening sidewalks and creating more public open spaces.
Before construction can commence, the site requires certain environmental remediation and the demolition of existing warehouse structures. The developer intends to expedite this process, hoping to initiate demolition work promptly following the upcoming Civic Design Review meeting. The drive to enhance residential options in the vicinity reflects an increasing focus on addressing the housing needs within the urban landscape.
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