Category investor

Plans for Kelly Drive’s “Canoe House” are in the works

If you drive on Kelly Drive as much as I do, which is usually a few times a week, you have probably noticed a decrepit, Spanish style boat house along the river. Going towards Center City, it is on your right side (after you pass under the Strawberry Mansion Bridge); going towards NW Philadelphia, it’s on your left side (just before the bridge).

Over the last few years, I always look over at this building and wonder “When are they going to fix that place? There has been construction site fencing there for years. It’s a cool building, in a great location.”

Well, I guess that a project is in the works.

New high-rise planned for 20th & Chestnut

Inga Saffron has been a very well respected architecture critic in Philadelphia for years. I have always been a fan of her expert opinions, and respect what she has to say.

In this case, I may not agree with everything she says about the project, but then again I’m in the business of real estate (not architecture). This project will be a great addition to this section of Rittenhouse Square; plus, apartments are in high demand these days in Philadelphia.

Please read on to learn more about Philadelphia’s first new skyscraper since the recession began.

University City gets Philadelphia’s first “parklet”

What is a “parklet”?

According to the article, and parklet is “a pavement reuse initiative that re-purposes one or two existing parking spots with a platform that brings the grade of the sidewalk out to the street.”

Hmmm.

Sounds a little complicated, but it really isn’t. It’s actually quite ingenious for a city like Philadelphia, where city streets/sidewalks can sometimes be small and narrow due to their age.

It’s a great option for pedestrians in high-traffic areas, and considering Philadelphia was just voted the “5th Most Walkable” city in the US, parklets should actually be a part of daily pedestrian life in Philly’s dense commercial districts.

The next question is, when will Center City get its first?