PCPC approves Canal Street North

Rendering of Canal Street North

Back in September, I blogged about an up-and-coming music venue planned for the corner of Frankford and Delaware Avenues in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia.

Click on the link above for more project details/specifications from my past post.

Well, it looks like the well planned, multi-purpose facility may finally get built; provided the developer meets a few more standard requirements and gets neighborhood approval.

The project dubbed Canal Street North, plans to house a concert venue (sponsored by Live Nation), a bowling alley, and a country-themed bar/grill. One really nice aspect of this project is that it seems to appeal to most parties by accommodating those traveling by car (500+ parking spaces), bicycle (60+ bicycle parking spaces), and public transportation (its within walking distance of the Market-Frankford Line).

What’s also cool about CSN is that its part of a bigger vision for developer Michael Samschick titled Penn Treaty Village. The vision has already begun to take shape with the redevelopment of two 8-story warehouses into upscale apartments (called Pennthouses at Penn Treaty Village). The goal of Penn Treaty Village is to combine 4 areas of focus: 1) Redevelop vacant land, 2) Combine both rehabbed and newly constructed buildings, 3) Forge connections to the Delaware River Waterfront, and 4) Turn Canal Street into a “Signature Philadelphia Street” (one that would eventually allow for pedestrian access only, which would be pretty sweet).

So although this may seem like just another project, there are larger implications for Fishtown, the Delaware River Waterfront, and the City of Philadelphia.

Net-zero comes to No Libs

Foundry Court | Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

 
I’m not talking about the inexpensive, broadband Internet giant. I’m talking about sustainable, residential development; or “green” development to those who do not follow this already trendy topic.

A lot of buyers, sellers, investors, and renters always ask me where the next up-and-coming area of Philadelphia is. One such place in Northern Liberties, just north of Center City.

Why No Libs?

Because this is a neighborhood that has changed drastically to reflect the current demographic trend of Center City Philadelphia, without being directly located in Center City Philadelphia. Some locals may argue that it has changed for the worse, but others will tell you that it’s getting better and cooler everyday. Believe me, the real estate values back up that statement; higher demand, higher prices.

Since this neighborhood is already synonymous with upscale, sleek, new construction projects (residential, commercial, and mixed-use), it makes sense to focus on a hot trend like sustainable/green development and take it one step further into the world of net-zero.

What does net-zero mean?

According to the article on Flying Kite, net-zero means “Using a number of features, including solar power generation, a net-zero home feeds power back to the grid on sunny days and draws minimal energy at night or when its cloudy, resulting in a net energy cost of zero.”

Interesting, right?

But if it’s so easy, why don’t all builders consider this option, Tim? #1 answer is cost. This development will be offering only 5 townhomes at a base price of $799,000. Now you see why not everyone can do this, especially on a larger scale.

I know that No Libs is a pricey area already, but $800K will get you a lot in Philadelphia; including Center City.

Another supermarket for West Girard Ave?

Hmmm.

I guess you can never have too many supermarkets for dense neighborhoods that are growing fast and changing for the better (such as the ones that surround this proposed development).

If you’re not familiar with the area, this will be the 3rd new supermarket within the last few years; all within a 2 mile radius. Considering you’re right in between Temple University and Fishtown/Northern Liberties, I guess another supermarket could be viable; we’ll just have to wait and see.

To learn more about this project, please click here.