Jack O’Brien
@jackphillyre.bsky.social
📤 623
📥 74
📝 657
America's Favorite Philadelphia Real Estate Development Writer™
https://jackphillyre.substack.com
What, you thought I wouldn't do some pandering on Rocky Day? A development site is for sale on Kensington Ave. just a block away from Rocky Balboa's old home. This surface lot could see construction continue north across the busy Lehigh Ave. corridor.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/a-kensingt...
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A Kensington Ave. Development Site for Sale Near Rocky's Apartment
The transit-oriented property could be yours just up the street from Rocky Balboa's abode
https://jackphillyre.substack.com/p/a-kensington-ave-development-site
about 17 hours ago
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Thousands of new units, a new trail and new landscaping have all arrived at the Delaware River Waterfront over the last several years. This part of Northern Liberties has changed so much - and could see even more in the years ahead. Thoughts on the changes?
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about 21 hours ago
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UPDATE: over $50 million of construction funding was just procured for this project, per GREA. This will be two phases: 100 units in the adaptive reuse portion and 77 units in the new construction portion. Glad to see this one making progress again.
add a skeleton here at some point
about 22 hours ago
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hell yeah 🤘
1 day ago
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MOTW Coffee & Pastries is coming to the base of the Murano at 2101 Market St. in Center City. Taking the place of a credit union, this coffee spot focuses on Muslim stories and hopes to be "a warm, welcoming space for all." Stoked to check this out.
1 day ago
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One of the ugliest and most offensive proposals we've ever seen was mercifully pulled from last week's Architectural Committee agenda. There's a good project to be found here, but not without a complete 180 from the latest plans.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/avoiding-a...
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Avoiding an Architectural Atrocity in Rittenhouse Square
A proposed residential addition near the Mütter Museum was mercifully removed from a recent Historical Commission agenda
https://jackphillyre.substack.com/p/avoiding-an-architectural-atrocity
2 days ago
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Old City Kava Co. is on the verge of bringing their kava/kratom concoctions to the Amble in Old City. A new zoning permit means this long-rumored spot is one step closer, with a wide-ranging menu now on their website giving a hint at what's in store. Opening date is Dec '25.
2 days ago
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A new fitness studio is coming to La Marceline, a recently completed mixed-use building at 2456 Frankford Ave. designed by Bright Common. We aren't sure exactly what the concept will be, but this adds even more to the growing - and changing - Frankford Ave. commercial corridor in East Kensington.
3 days ago
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Is this the future at Harper Square, the planned tower at 19th & Sansom? After getting word from a follower, we saw this new rendering for the proposal from Pearl Properties on the Philadelphia C-PACE website, where $60 million of funding was announced thanks to energy savings.
3 days ago
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Very excited for this hat
4 days ago
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Out of all of the many cities, it’s nice to live in The One.
4 days ago
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Commercial building permits have been issued for a catering/event space at 1801 E. Huntingdon St. at this handsome former bank right next to the MFL.
5 days ago
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Sorry for being MIA the last week or so: had to get my heart cut open, etc (don’t worry, I’m good). Tell your family and friends that you love them and eat a bunch of turkey for me today 🍗
7 days ago
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reposted by
Jack O’Brien
Brendan O’Kane
11 days ago
South Philly folks: Marra’s is closing Wednesday. Get your meals and nostalgia in quick!
add a skeleton here at some point
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After we first reported last month, Wharton Piers in Pennsport heads to CDR. 620 units across 36 floors over retail are proposed, with two more towers planned for future phases. This would add up to *2,000 units* and some gorgeous new trails.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/update-wha...
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Update: Wharton Piers in Pennsport Heads to CDR with Multi-Phased Plans
After permits were issued over the summer, more details emerge for three residential towers planned along the Delaware River
https://jackphillyre.substack.com/p/update-wharton-piers-in-pennsport
14 days ago
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An addition, 33 units are coming to a former police station in Fairhill. This Mid-Century Modern structure could see new life, with commercial and apartments getting zoning permits yesterday. We're thrilled to see this non-protected structure get new life.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/addition-a...
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Addition, Apartments for Former Police Station in Fairhill
The Mid-Century structure has been vacant for years but will see 33 units, ground floor commercial space - and a new life
https://jackphillyre.substack.com/p/addition-apartments-for-former-police
15 days ago
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The Francisville Triangle has undergone a huge transformation over the last 16 years. Townhouses and new construction apartments have dramatically changed the area near Wylie & Cameron St., with an even larger five-story, 115-unit building planned for the corner.
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15 days ago
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What if we kissed...at the bistro in the base of the new Fishtown parking garage that overlooks a gravel lot? The seven-story, 372-space garage will head to Civic Design Review on December 2nd. Rooftop commercial space will also be included, with views of Carvana.
15 days ago
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Today and tomorrow at the corner of 20th & Fairmount, recently home to Rite Aid and parking. As Rising Real Estate reported, plans for three stories, 28 units and five commercial spaces are heading to the Historical Commission for review. Love seeing this corner shift to mixed-use 👍
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16 days ago
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BREAKING: REC Philly's studios & HQ at the Fashion District will close on Dec. 20th. The creative agency has studios, co-working, and more at this 10K sqft space that's been open since 2019. This is a big blow to the vibrancy of the Fashion District.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/breaking-r...
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BREAKING: REC Philly's Studios Will Close at the Fashion District
The creative space will cease operations on December 20th due to "unforeseen circumstances," with no plans to reopen
https://jackphillyre.substack.com/p/breaking-rec-phillys-studios-will
16 days ago
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Huge news for the Rittenhouse Square area - this will make quite a mark on the skyline.
add a skeleton here at some point
17 days ago
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The Silver Buckle is now open at the former JJ Bootleggers spot at 35 S. 2nd St. in Old City. This “Nashville inspired party bar” looks to pick up where JJB left off, so expect to see this packed for tonight’s Birds game 🦅 Glad to see the space reactivated on this stretch.
18 days ago
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No action, sales, or permits recently for 700 Chestnut St., which had plans for an overbuild nearly three years ago. This would also involve the demo of Las Vegas Lounge next door. It would be awesome to see these buildings reactivated, overbuild or not. Design from Studio HS4.
19 days ago
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Some major changes near 26th & Poplar over the years. The Brewerytown neighborhood has seen a wild amount of development as this little stretch shows.
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19 days ago
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An information session for the Spring Garden Connector is taking place Wed. Nov. 19th at the School District offices on N. Broad St. Engineering plans will be presented with opportunity for feedback. This is in advance of construction, which should be completed by 2029, per
@whyynews.bsky.social
.
20 days ago
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401 Market St. on Independence Mall has an uncertain future - which is perfect for speculating about what that might entail. After some key vacancies and a recently paid-off loan, what lies ahead for this office tower? More soothsaying below/in the bio 🔮
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/speculatio...
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Speculation Time! Predicting the future of 401 Market St.
We let our imagination run wild about what's ahead for this office tower that sits on a key corner of Independence Mall
https://jackphillyre.substack.com/p/speculation-time-predicting-the-future
21 days ago
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Big news for the Philly arts scene: Ministry of Awe will have its grand opening on Saturday, March 14th at 27 N. 3rd St. in Old City. The former bank is getting six floors of fun, all organized by muralist Meg Saligman. Love seeing the arts returning to Old City.
21 days ago
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1713 N. Front St. is underway per Full Court Construction. 55 units over 2,700 sqft of commercial space is coming, with a slightly updated design from Canno. This is right across from the new Urby, which has Percy diner and Mecha Noodle Bar on the ground floor.
21 days ago
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Rendering vs. reality at The Riley, 80 units over commercial space at 6808 Ridge Ave. in Roxborough. This one finished up within the last year or so, with a design from Ingram/Sageser. Let’s get some landscaping going here, please?
21 days ago
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The New Market Headhouse & Shambles will see a new ADA-accessible bathroom, restored brick/masonry, and a new brick walkway. This went to the Art Commission today for review and has already received funding, so we could see changes here soon.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/new-market...
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New Market Headhouse and Shambles to See Renovations, Functional Changes
A new ADA-accessible bathroom, restored brick and masonry, and a new brick walkway are part of the plans for the Headhouse Square landmark
https://jackphillyre.substack.com/p/new-market-headhouse-and-shambles
22 days ago
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My story on this same project from last week. Curious!
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/addition-4...
add a skeleton here at some point
22 days ago
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The final design of the Chinatown Stitch highway capping project will be revealed at a session tomorrow, Wed 11/12 from 5-8pm. This first phase will add some much-needed green space to the neighborhood, so we're excited to see the plans. Let's hope the funding here comes through.
23 days ago
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24 units & two retail spaces received zoning approval at 2620 Frankford Ave. in East Kensington. The six-story brick design joins many other recent projects, with the biggest of them all planned for the huge Woods Bros lot across the street (Img 4).
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/24-units-t...
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24 Units, Two Commercial Spaces Approved for East Kensington Lot
A vacant lot receives zoning approval for a six-story building across from a massive development site that awaits its future
https://jackphillyre.substack.com/p/24-units-two-commercial-spaces-approved
24 days ago
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This has been listed for a minute, but it's still one of the coolest places I can remember seeing: 4900 Longshore Ave. in Tacony. Built in 1893 as a bank, it's most recently been home to Keystone Soundworks, but this 3-bed/3-bath, 9,300 sqft spot could be your home for $1.07M.
24 days ago
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Ten units are coming to the Swartz Building at 1108 Chestnut St. in Market East. This site had a long commercial history (including being the original home to Stetson) before permits were issued for a residential update.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/weekend-qu...
26 days ago
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Did you know that classic cowboy brand Stetson was started in Philly? The company was making up to 3 million hats per year at their massive manufacturing complex near 4th & Montgomery Ave. Sadly, the incredible buildings are long gone, though vestiges of the layout still remain.
26 days ago
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Regarding Mayor Parker's newly announced Market East Advisory Group: ***THE OWNER OF THE DISNEY HOLE IS IN THE MARKET EAST ADVISORY GROUP***
27 days ago
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Two Tun Tavern proposals are in the works just around the corner from each other in Old City. They're both hosting soft-launch events on Monday, Nov. 10th at the same time, so we explore the history, architecture, and drama of these competing projects.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/two-tuns-o...
27 days ago
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13 units over commercial are planned for East Kensington's coolest block. This four-story building at 2117 E. York St. may join a flush of awesome businesses nearby. This comes to us from a pair of familiar names, with a look from Canno Design.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/13-more-un...
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13 More Units Coming to East Kensington's Coolest Block
A four-story, mixed-use building received zoning permits along a block-long stretch that you may never want to leave
https://jackphillyre.substack.com/p/13-more-units-coming-to-east-kensingtons
28 days ago
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Some recent thoughts on what the future of Market East should look like. To the city: my consulting fees would be wildly competitive if you're looking to bring on someone who actually uses/cares about the area in question 😇
28 days ago
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UPDATE: Architect JKRP just announced this mixed-use project along South Broad St. will get started soon, with plans for this to be completed in 2027. This area has changed so much recently, and it looks like more is on the way. Check the blog for the recent story, etc., etc.
add a skeleton here at some point
28 days ago
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The former home of non-profit Intercultural Family Services is newly re-listed in Spruce Hill. But don't worry: the org. has a brand-new office directly across the street in a new construction building that joins hundreds of new units along the block.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/developmen...
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Development Site Still for Sale in Rapidly Changing Spruce Hill
The former home of Intercultural Family Services is re-listed for $2.2 million - directly across from its new, larger home
https://jackphillyre.substack.com/p/development-site-still-for-sale-in
29 days ago
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reposted by
Jack O’Brien
Jake Blumgart
29 days ago
Macerich's CEO finally spoke about the Fashion District on their Q3 earnings call last night. He said their hands had been tied for years by the 76ers arena, but he's cautiously optimistic about the mall's future, especially as Mayor Parker focuses on Market East
www.inquirer.com/real-estate/...
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Fashion District owner is ‘cautiously optimistic’ on future of its Center City mall
The Macerich CEO broke his silence on the state of Market East's perennially troubled mall.
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/commercial/macerich-fashion-district-market-east-20251105.html
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Landscaping is going in at a revamped Thomas Paine Plaza in Center City. Plans call for greater accessibility and the return of multi-purpose hardscaping so that this can remain a skateboarding spot moving forward. Photo courtesy of an intrepid friend of the bolg [sic].
29 days ago
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The long-time home of Philadelphia Macaroni Co. has plans for an addition, 47 residential units at 11th & Catharine. Permits were issued after a trip to the Hist. Comm. to add this to the *national* register. Yet another sign of change in the area.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/addition-4...
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Addition, 47 Units Planned for Philadelphia Macaroni Co. Home
The long-time manufacturing plant/offices for the 121-year-old company receives permits for a residential conversion at 11th & Catharine
https://jackphillyre.substack.com/p/addition-47-units-planned-for-philadelphia
30 days ago
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Moody views from a rainy night on South Broad St.
about 1 month ago
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A six-story, 22-unit building received permits near 50th & Market in West Philly. This project can proceed by right thanks to a recent zoning change, allowing more density near transit. Oh, and this has zero car parking. Design is from DesignBlendz.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/22-units-p...
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22 Units Proposed Near 50th & Market in West Philly
A six-story, mixed-use building received zoning permits right next to the Market-Frankford Line
https://jackphillyre.substack.com/p/22-units-proposed-near-50th-and-market
about 1 month ago
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Old City update: The empty lot at 239 Chestnut St. is still for sale (now for $1.3M) and permits indicate the site will be totally cleared and backfilled - what the hell is going on with this prime development spot? More background in the quoted article.
add a skeleton here at some point
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Jack O’Brien
Micah
about 1 month ago
their plainly stated goal is to starve forty million people until they get what they want, which is to rip health care away from millions more that this is too monstrous for most news organizations to tell the truth about does not change the facts
add a skeleton here at some point
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1734-36 E. Passyunk Ave., home to Marra's, is currently under contract (listed for $2M). This classic Italian restaurant has been around since 1927, so we hope the buyer keeps the old school charm; it would be a shame to see this go.
about 1 month ago
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