New Permits for the Willow Steam Plant
An increase in unit count and the removal of commercial space appear to be in the cards
As summer begins its slow fade into fall, we often find ourselves thinking about the seasons/temporality/existence/the circle of life and things of that nature. And sometimes, as the sunsets begin just early enough to be noticed, those thoughts turn to the life of long-defunct buildings that rise across our fair city. One such building is the Willow Steam Plant at 411-19 N. 9th St., built back in 1927 before falling into disuse and remaining vacant since the 1970s.
This building has been rusting for years, though there have been plans pitched recently calling for redevelopment, with 69 apartments, two commercial spaces, and 20 parking spaces previously on tap. After construction permits were issued last year, things have once again been fairly quiet. That is until this June, when a zoning permit to consolidate the lots was issued. While that alone might not be exciting, the daily zoning report from yesterday hints at something that is: an updated zoning permit for the project. While details are still scant for this design from Parallel Architecture Studio, this new permit indicates that the unit count has jumped to 73, more roof decks have been added and the parking count has dropped to 14. Sadly, it looks as if the planned commercial spaces have been removed - understandable given the lack of foot traffic in the area.
Assuming that the asbestos remediation is complete, this should hopefully be a sign that things are at long last progressing here. And the timing of this is just fantastic given the huge news yesterday about the expansion of the Rail Park just a few blocks away.
With the news that the William Penn Foundation’s donation will allow for expansion of the second phase of the park northward, this neighborhood will soon have a world-class park where there is very little public space today. To see two vestiges of Callowhill’s industrial past get a second lease on life is exactly the type of thing we love to see. This area has such a distinct presence today, and to have that history continue to influence the look and feel of the neighborhood couldn’t please us more. Let’s hope that we see both of these move forward in tandem as this area continues to change from empty and neglected to lush and functional.
It’s nice that such a cool old building is being renovated … and what a view for the units facing the expanded rail park!