Planned apartment tower on Columbus Boulevard may be the first of three developments.
Brevet Capital Management, a New York-based investment firm, unveiled an ambitious development plan for the site at 1341 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd. during a recent meeting with the Pennsport Civic Association. The proposed project features a towering structure along the Delaware River, encompassing 620 residential units and a significant overhaul of public space in the vicinity.
During the presentation, representatives from Brevet detailed plans that include not only the primary tower but also a smaller retail building adjacent to it. Additionally, discussions hinted at the possibility of two further towers in future phases of the development, demonstrating the firm’s vision for the area’s long-term transformation.
The proposed tower is expected to exceed 380 feet in height; renderings suggest that future structures could surpass this height, contingent upon adherence to local zoning regulations. This ambitious vertical expansion is made possible by unique zoning incentives granted along the central Delaware Riverfront, allowing for denser development with limited parking provisions.
In a move intended to enhance the local housing landscape, Brevet plans to contribute to the city’s housing trust fund. In exchange for the height variances, the firm will also undertake upgrades to the nearby Delaware River Trail, improving the current conditions of the trail, which have deteriorated significantly in sections south of Washington Avenue. The current state of the trail has been exacerbated by the presence of homeless encampments, which have necessitated periodic clearances by city authorities and local organizations.
At the meeting, community concerns surfaced regarding the proposed development’s impact on traffic along Columbus Boulevard, a major thoroughfare characterized by high-speed vehicular movement that poses safety risks for pedestrians. Brevet’s team acknowledged the need for improved traffic management and committed to working on public safety measures as part of their planning process.
While the initial proposal includes only 187 parking spaces within the tower and an additional 100 spaces in an existing surface lot—potentially impacting future development projects—the developers indicated flexibility in exploring further parking options depending on needs as the project evolves.
The prospective residential units within the tower will primarily consist of smaller configurations, with plans detailing 50% one-bedroom units and 35% studios. The development is set to commence construction in the summer of 2026 and aims for a timeframe of 18 to 24 months to complete the first tower.
This initiative marks Brevet Capital Management’s inaugural real estate endeavor in Philadelphia, although it has successfully delivered similar projects across states including Florida, Texas, and California. The presentation has elicited a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism from local residents, demonstrating a community’s desire for thoughtful urban development that addresses both housing needs and public space revitalization.
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