97 Units Could Start Soon at 500 N. Columbus Blvd. Complex
A new permit means we could see new construction at this evolving (and busy) intersection
Hey folks! We hope you didn’t miss getting the hottest news around after America’s Favorite Philadelphia Real Estate Development Blogger™ took some vacation time in the midst of this sweltering start to the summer. And speaking of hot, boy oh boy, are things starting to get steamy near the intersection of Spring Garden & N. Columbus Blvd., which we last visited back in April. Our focus today is actually a parcel at 501 N. Front St. towards the back of this former (and historically protected) cold storage complex.
Philly YIMBY gave us a head’s up a few days ago about building permits being issued for this mixed-use project from developer Aspen Equities. The seven-story building designed by JKRP Architects will feature 97 units (studios, one- and two-bed spots) and a small retail space along Noble St. to the south. The site was cleared of a non-historical building after a zoning permit for demo was issued, but a new construction permit leads us to believe that we may see some action here soon.
Now that permits are in hand, this Historical Commission-approved design will add a much different vibe to the red brick masses that make up the majority of the site. The proposed look leans into the industrial past with the slate-colored paneling that mimics exposed steel beams, with large windows and a smattering of brick at the ground-level. 22 car parking spaces/33 bike spaces at the ground-level will be accessed from Noble, joining the residential lobby also found on the south-facing side.
While we aren’t certain whether we will see digging commence soon, we are cautiously optimistic that we will see some action in this somewhat lost corner. This had pretty much been a dead zone over here, so we’re thrilled to have some positive news for the property. There’s been even more news for this complex since we told you about the potential restaurant/event space hitting the market in the spring.
Not only are those redevelopment plans now up in the air, the muraled building next door is also now a bit of a wild card. After getting approvals for an overbuild (also designed by JKRP), this property was listed for sale earlier this month, meaning we may or may not see this 111-unit project get moving for quite some time.
Quite a lot of action packed into a little space, right? And if you jump across Columbus Blvd. and head to the water, the new Sprouts Farmers Market at Rivermark Northern Liberties is now open, with the gorgeous River Soundings sculpture now making its way up along the newly opened path around the two buildings. Development is rarely a linear proposition, so let’s be sure to take a moment to take in everything that is happening here as the Delaware River Waterfront continues to reinvent itself, seemingly by the day.
