Development News for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Civic Design Review Discusses 63-Unit Residential Project at 39 East Clearfield Street

The Civic Design Review Committee reviewed the proposed 63-unit, four-story residential building at 39 East Clearfield Street. The project is located in a RM1 zoned area and aims to transform the Kensington section of the city. The design includes one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, common area laundry, a community garden, and amenities. Staff appreciated the quality materials and facade articulation but requested further details on the landscaped strip and considered opportunities to combine amenity rooms. Concerns were raised about integrating the ground floor with the neighborhood and activating the street. For sustainable design, the project meets seven metrics, and staff recommended considering rooftop enhancements like solar panels or green roof elements. The community meeting on May 20th reported resident satisfaction with the design concepts. Committee members noted the context, green space in the rear, and potential for a more activated courtyard for pickup/drop-off. They also suggested adding more planting in the furniture zone along Clearfield Street for softening and buffering. Aesthetic suggestions included integrating darker metal panels for contrast and vibrancy, with a reference to a similar PHA project on Germantown Avenue. The committee voted to approve the staff notes and conclude the review.

801 North 19th Street Residential Project Undergoes Review for Zoning Amendment and Design Changes

The Civic Design Review Committee reviewed a resubmitted proposal for 801 North 19th Street, a multifamily residential project currently under construction. The project involves a zoning amendment to increase building height from 58 ft to 64.1 ft and a slight increase in GFA. Key changes from the 2021 approved design include a new, more traditional brick facade with arches, relocation of roof decks to the roof level, and an increase in the building height to accommodate future mechanical parking. The community expressed concerns about the aesthetic changes, the increase in height, the addition of roof decks (previously opposed), traffic flow issues related to the parking entrance and dual curb cuts, and the perceived narrowness of the streets. Staff recommended reconsidering ground floor circulation, adding amenities to public space, improving parking facade screening, and exploring commercial space along WY Street. Committee members noted the loss of double-height lobby, the blunt corner design, small tree pits, and hard sidewalk surfaces. The committee voted to continue the review, encouraging further dialogue between the developers and the community.