Developer to build 620 apartments on Columbus Boulevard and extend the Delaware River Trail in New York.

A New York developer has proposed an ambitious residential project slated to bring 620 apartments to the South Philadelphia waterfront at 1341 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd. The endeavor, championed by Manhattan-based Brevet Capital Management, includes plans for a 36-story tower that seeks to significantly exceed current zoning limitations. The project aims to utilize multiple zoning bonuses designed to support denser construction.

In exchange for the increased density and height allowances, Brevet Capital Management will contribute to Philadelphia’s Housing Trust Fund and extend the Delaware River Trail further into South Philadelphia. This expansion will connect the trail from its current endpoint at Washington Avenue to Reed Street. This zoning change, enacted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, was intended to incentivize developers to enhance public infrastructure along the waterfront. Brevet will be the first to leverage this new zoning framework.

Community stakeholders have expressed a cautious optimism about the project. Matt Ruben, chair of the Central Delaware Advocacy Group, noted that the construction of the waterfront trail alongside the development represents a crucial public benefit. This sentiment reflects a growing desire among residents for responsible development that prioritizes public access to the waterfront.

The proposal came to light ahead of a recent meeting where developers shared their plans with the Pennsport Civic Association. Patrick Fitzmaurice, president of the association, welcomed the project as a significant investment in a historically underutilized part of the neighborhood, anticipating that the combined retail and recreational opportunities will enhance community engagement with the waterfront.

Designed by the global architecture firm Perkins Eastman, the development—referred to as Wharton Piers—will feature 187 parking spaces distributed across the second to fourth floors, despite the absence of parking requirements for such a project. Plans also include over 10,000 square feet of commercial and office space on the ground floor, as well as community amenities on the fifth level. Additionally, a neighboring single-story structure will offer an additional 20,650 square feet of retail space.

The site’s development history is marked by previous ambitious proposals, including a 2023 plan from Silverstein Properties for 612 apartments and 500 parking spaces across two towers. A more extensive plan before the pandemic had envisioned 2,000 units across ten buildings, a proposal that garnered criticism and ultimately fizzled out.

Following the backlash from local advocacy groups over previous plans, city officials altered the zoning overlay to promote focused developments that benefit the community. By allowing taller buildings in exchange for enhancements such as bike and pedestrian pathways, the city hopes to carefully balance growth with public welfare.

Once a site for encampments, this vacant lot is undergoing a transformation that reflects a commitment to revitalizing this area of South Philadelphia. The latest development proposal symbolizes a step towards leveraging urban space for both residential needs and public benefit. Media News Source.