North Broad garage to be transformed into 99 apartments and a large restaurant.
A historic industrial building located at 142-144 North Broad Street in Philadelphia is set to undergo a significant transformation into a mixed-use development featuring 99 residential units and over 4,000 square feet of restaurant space. This seven-story structure, which has remained vacant for several years, previously operated as a car showroom and manufacturing facility.
The building has experienced a succession of ownership changes, with the latest sale occurring in August 2023, when it was acquired by Penn Hall Investment LLC for .2 million. Prior to this, the property was purchased in 2022 by John Wei for million. Wei had been divesting his assets in the Callowhill area due to financial pressures.
The development team behind the project, Parallel Architecture Studio, has a history with this site, having previously worked on plans to convert it into a 115-room hotel. However, the current strategy focuses on residential conversion, which is considered more financially viable than hospitality projects in the current economic climate. Carolina Pena, principal of Parallel Architecture, indicated that the decision to retrofit the existing garage into apartments reflects a recognition of the difficulties in securing funding for hotel developments.
The apartments will primarily cater to single-person households, with design plans including a mix of studio and one-bedroom units averaging around 600 square feet each. Construction is expected to take between 18 to 24 months, with no additional zoning approvals required, as the building falls within a flexible zoning district.
The site will also offer amenities including four parking spaces for vehicles and bicycle parking, utilizing the building’s existing smaller underground parking facility. Although the city had issued an “unsafe structure” violation in 2017, which prompted the previous owners to make necessary reinforcements, no further issues at that scale have arisen since.
This redevelopment effort reflects a broader trend of revitalization along North Broad Street, which has witnessed gradual growth since the economic downturn a decade ago. Notable projects in the area include Eric Blumenfeld’s inspired developments such as The Met Philadelphia and the Divine Lorraine, along with new residential projects by various developers. As the city continues to invest in its urban landscape, this latest initiative signifies a progressive step toward creating a vibrant mixed-use environment in this historically industrial corridor.
As Philadelphia evolves, the convergence of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces could reshape community dynamics, contributing to a renewed urban identity.
