Former McDonald’s site at Broad and Christian to be transformed into 84 apartments.

Longtime residential developer Carl Dranoff has unveiled plans for a new residential high-rise on the Avenue of the Arts in Philadelphia, marking a significant step in the area’s ongoing redevelopment. The proposed structure will be an 84-unit rental apartment building located at 914 South Broad Street, on a site that was formerly occupied by a drive-thru McDonald’s until its closure in 2021.

Dranoff has been conceptualizing this project for several years, collaborating with Jeffrey Herskowitz of New Jersey on the endeavor. Herskowitz, the owner of Kingsway Realty, has a primary focus on retail developments. The partnership initially formed in 2022, motivated by the potential to revitalize a key piece of real estate in a prime location.

The neighborhood has seen an increase in large residential projects, including Alterra Property Group’s Lincoln Square, a 322-unit development at 1000 S. Broad, and the Post Brothers’ 650-unit One Thousand One at 1001 S. Broad. Both of these projects feature retail spaces on the ground floors, reflecting a broader trend of integrating residential and commercial uses to enhance urban living.

Dranoff’s new building will include a diverse range of apartment types: 36 one-bedroom units, 36 two-bedroom units, and 12 three-bedroom units. This design choice strategically targets the growing population of families in urban settings, particularly as Millennials—who are increasingly becoming parents—tend to remain in cities longer than previous generations. This shift is evident as many developers are now including larger, family-sized units in their new residential offerings.

Emphasizing the changing dynamics of urban living, Dranoff noted that the current real estate landscape, characterized by high homeownership barriers and an increase in hybrid work models, has shifted preferences toward larger rental apartments. He highlighted that many potential renters are seeking comfortable, long-term housing options within city limits.

The project will also feature a retail space exceeding 5,000 square feet, with hopes of attracting a high-end restaurant akin to the Loch Bar located in another of Dranoff’s developments. Designed by Philadelphia-based JKRP Architects, the building will employ red brick cladding, reflecting the city’s architectural heritage.

To address community concerns, the project will include 20 parking spaces, which is one more than the zoning code mandates. This aspect prompted questions during a recent South of South Neighborhood Association (SOSNA) meeting, where some attendees expressed concerns about insufficient parking. Dranoff responded by indicating that nearby developments have surplus parking that could accommodate any overflow.

The project is set to proceed to the Civic Design Review Committee, which typically requires community engagement prior to consideration. Notably, the proposal does not require zoning relief, limiting the avenues available for critics to challenge aspects of the development. Overall, community feedback has been largely positive, with SOSNA’s zoning committee expressing support for the emphasis on family-oriented living.

In conclusion, Carl Dranoff’s project at 914 South Broad Street signals a noteworthy addition to Philadelphia’s residential landscape, catering to evolving housing needs and further enhancing the Avenue of the Arts as a vibrant urban corridor. Media News Source.