48-Unit Project Receives Permits Along Changing Germantown Ave.

An "updated" mixed-use apartment gets the OK to move ahead next to another property that's about to see a new concept

Germantown Ave. in the greater Germantown/Mt. Airy/Chestnut Hill area has seen proposal after proposal change the corridor over the last several years. Today’s trip takes us to 6225-27 Germantown Ave., close to whatever you believe is the Germantown-Mt. Airy border. This is a narrow strip of land that’s basically wedged behind a billboard, with an old, non-protected brick building tucked away in the back. This one has been in the works since the spring, when plans from developer MGMT Residential for a 45-unit project went to the community before a review by the Civic Design Review (CDR) committee in May that necessitated a revision/return trip.

An aerial view of the area, with the site tucked just off the main drag

A look at the site from earlier this year, with the two-story brick building just to the right of the two-tiered billboard

A look at the design presented to the community and the CDR committee this spring

Since that initial review, the project did indeed return for a second round of review by the CDR committee in July to complete the mandated process…while being panned for both the layout and the look. The concept here is for apartments over a parking garage, with an extremely narrow pedestrian path leading to a shared lobby for residents and a teeny tiny commercial space on the second floor. The site plan did not see any big changes upon its return, but we did see a change in the facade - surprisingly going from a stone material to paneling and cinderblock. But despite the concerns over the plans, this second trip to CDR meant that the project - which is being developed by-right - completed its requirements to be eligible to move ahead.

A look at the updated look for the mixed-use project

An aerial of the space shows how this will set right up against the property lines

The current look offers a step back from a materials perspective

A look at the site plan shows narrow pedestrian paths on either side of the two-way drive aisle leading to the garage

The front elevation shows the awkward layout for those approaching the building on foot

Things have taken a couple more steps forward over the last month, first with a demolition permit to clear the existing building, and secondly just this week, when a zoning permit was issued for what is now a 48-unit building, featuring a 27-car, 24-bicycle garage on what looks to be the same footprint as originally proposed. While the density is appropriate for such a central location, the look and unwelcoming entrance leave quite a bit to be desired here - not to mention the giant billboard out fron that apparently isn’t going anywhere, given the existing long-term lease.

While the future here seems pretty certain, our development radar started tingling when we saw the property next door, a large space that was until recently a Rite Aid. When we did a little digging into 6201 Germantown Ave., we did indeed find some news, just not what we expected: per a recent zoning permit, Archwell Health senior health services will be moving into the vacant space.

A recent look at the fenced-off former Rite Aid

A look at the future: Archwell Health provides a valuable resource to the neighborhood

We’re not in love with the auto-centric approach that’s been here for years, but in this instance, it’s one that makes some sense given the nature of the new tenant. And to have a useful business take up a sizable, shuttered space is a good thing anywhere, especially in a space that also in part served the health needs of the community. Once again, a block will get a major makeover right before our eyes; let’s hope that it will retain its transit-oriented nature before Harrisburg fumbles what should be an easy decision #fundSEPTA