Developer Ori Feibush proposes new plan for 275 apartments at 1601 Washington Ave after previous attempts.

A new multifamily development is in the works for the former Hoa Binh Plaza site located at 16th and Washington Streets, which is set to introduce a diverse mix of housing and commercial spaces to the South Philadelphia area. The project, proposed by developer Ori Feibush, will feature 275 rental apartments, 10 townhouses for sale, nearly 40,000 square feet of commercial space, and around 200 shared underground parking spaces.

Of the rental units, 10% are designated for tenants earning 50% of the area median income (AMI), translating to approximately ,000 annually for a family of four. This initiative highlights a commitment to affordable housing amidst a burgeoning residential landscape.

This marks Feibush’s third attempt to advance a development proposal for the site within a 15-month timeframe. His earlier vision, which contemplated constructing 400 units, faced substantial resistance from local residents and the South of South Neighborhood Association (SOSNA). In response, the developer has scaled back his project to better align with community concerns, acknowledging the challenges of balancing density essential for a viable development with neighborhood apprehensions.

The planned building will comprise various commercial features, including a family-oriented gym and multiple retail spaces along Washington Avenue and 16th Street. The design, spearheaded by Atrium Design Group, aims to provide a contemporary living experience while accommodating the architectural context of the vicinity.

However, the site is zoned for industrial use, necessitating a presentation to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) before residential development can proceed. Conflicting viewpoints continue to emerge within the community regarding the project, with SOSNA’s zoning committee yet to reach a definitive vote. Community meetings preceding an official Civic Design Review have seen both supporters and dissenters express their concerns regarding the building’s density and height, particularly from residents on Chadwick Street who fear being overshadowed by the seven-story structure.

Feibush, in a bid to mitigate these concerns, has proposed constructing 10 single-family homes to serve as a buffer between the apartment complex and existing residential areas. This decision reflects a strategic response to community feedback, though the developer notes it is not his primary focus moving forward.

The transformation of Washington Avenue into a residential corridor has faced pushback from certain neighborhood groups advocating for the preservation of its industrial character. Nevertheless, the north side of the avenue is witnessing substantial residential growth, with Feibush notably already developing two sizable projects in the area.

The former Hoa Binh Plaza, which once operated as one of the first Vietnamese-owned shopping centers in the region for nearly three decades, is poised to undergo a significant transition. Following its acquisition in 2019 and subsequent closure, this site represents a critical opportunity for addressing the housing shortfall in a neighborhood increasingly in need of diverse living options.

As Feibush emphasizes, this redevelopment is vital for meeting the demand for high-density housing in an area where available land is rapidly diminishing, marking a pivotal step in the ongoing evolution of South Philadelphia.

For further updates on this project and other developments in the area, refer to Media News Source.