Update: Demo Permits Issued for Former Hoa Binh Plaza
An urban agricultural complex is proposed for the industrial-zoned property
It was only several months ago that we last checked in on the urban farming proposal at the surface lot/low-rise building at 16th & Washington. After years of sales transactions and plans ranging from indoor pickleball to 400 apartments, a new concept from OCF Realty (Disclosure: I used to work for Naked Philly, an affiliate of OCF Realty) was first pitched this summer when the Phils were still at the top of the baseball world.
This vertical farm of sorts from Atrium Design Group would rise 200 feet, offering huge floor heights and ample space for this unique approach. And while the proposal has already successfully made its way through the Civic Design Review process, this may very well never happen. Developer Ori Feibush “hopes he never has to build it,” as a mixed-use residential project similar to others in progress close by would make for a more activated pedestrian corridor.
While plans for the future of this site are seemingly still in flux behind the scenes, we have some tangible signs of forward movement at 1600 Carpenter St., the former Hoa Binh Plaza. This neighborhood business had been here for around 30 years before a previous owner bought the property and closed the plaza in 2019. It appears we may see this old plaza come down soon, as a zoning permit for full demolition was issued just yesterday.
Does this mean that we’re about to see a massive urban farm rise here? Not necessarily, as the same permit states that this is not good for any development. This is standard language for demolition permits, but it still clears the way for the site to be cleared, leaving a blank slate for whatever does wind up rising. With demo now seemingly inevitable, we hope that whatever does eventually come to fruition is a net positive for the entire neighborhood, unlike the unfortunate downsizing several blocks to the east at 9th & Washington.
