Philadelphia 2035 (Washington, Riverside, Montgomery: vouchers, donations, manager)

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by PhilliesPhan2013

If 1300 Fairmount actually happens, along with the restoration of the Divine Lorraine, then that area will get a major boost in retail, density, and quality of life. I'm rooting for Fairmount Ave east of Broad!

Absolutely. It's the missing piece. Or part of it because the Reading Viaduct Park project will just add to the viability of the entire area.

Now we need to get rid of the rest of the surface parking lots along Broad St.

[cpomp]

Hip, Horizontal and Creative: Major Office Project to Replace Destination Maternity - Property

Potential plans for the Destination Maternity site in "SoNo" I wanted more height and density rather than keeping the existing structure.

[rotodome]

"SoNo"? Hope that doesn't spawn "NoNo"...

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by cpomp

Hip, Horizontal and Creative: Major Office Project to Replace Destination Maternity - Property

Potential plans for the Destination Maternity site in "SoNo" I wanted more height and density rather than keeping the existing structure.

Yeah, but, but... If all that was shown in that video happens ... Wow. It's looks better, at least to me amenities-wise, than the Comcast TC.

[asiandudeyo]

Originally Posted by kyb01

It's LONG story going back about 10 years. Blumenthal "lost" ownership of it or something like that in about 2005/ 2006. I actually met one person involved in that because he bought my Mom's house wrt an estate sale. They started the internal rehab and had started to gut things like old bathroom fixtures. I know about that too because my sister picked up an old medicine cabinet that she is now using!

One also has to factor in the collapsing economy in 2008/2009 which more than likely completely stalled the project as money "disappeared".

To Blumenthal credit he also redid the old AAA building at 21st and Market into a residence so I still have faith in him. In any case he regained control/ownership of the DL. He played around with making it entirely a residence and then the idea of making it a hotel again. We will see what happens. There have been several renderings along the way of course. You may be able to find them in some archive on philly.curbed.com.

There are other pieces to it all in that I think he wants to redo/build on the land behind the DL along Ridge Ave.

I actually remember when it really was the Divine Lorraine Hotel when Father Divine owned it. He built it, afaik. What's left of his group still owns the Disston mansion in N. Philly on, I think, N. 17th St. It's a fabulous Victorian masterpiece.

I recall when I first moved to Philly and we passed by Divine Lorraine. I was actually mesmerized by it even though it looks blighted and untended. It is one of those building that impress you. I bet once it is restored, it will be even more grandeur.
Lucky for your sister to pick up the fixture. I am sure it is vintage and beautiful.

[AJNEOA]

Originally Posted by kyb01

Yeah, but, but... If all that was shown in that video happens ... Wow. It's looks better, at least to me amenities-wise, than the Comcast TC.

I personally like the more spread-out developments because they develop more vacant land (or underused land) and they more evenly spread density on the street level. I'd rather see more SoNo-type projects than supertalls personally.

[AJNEOA]

On Ridge Avenue progress would go by the initials PHA

[cpomp]

Originally Posted by AJNEOA

On Ridge Avenue progress would go by the initials PHA

I personally do not see how this plan is going to come together. PHA has no money and reduced funding every year. And it has been proven in the past that making an entire neighborhood section 8 housing does nothing to revitalize an area. You at least need a mix of young professionals/working class/affordable housing to make an area attractive for development.

Also phase 1: 57 housing units at $21 million=$370k per house...

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by AJNEOA

I personally like the more spread-out developments because they develop more vacant land (or underused land) and they more evenly spread density on the street level. I'd rather see more SoNo-type projects than supertalls personally.

That markerting video was terrific. The energy of it. Fervor. It would make me definitely consider moving to Philly if I was a young person.

The fact that someone wants to re-create that property just shows how different things are in the city. Instead of staying abandoned for years... which is what would have happened not too long ago.

I am sorry Destination Maternity left. Because they made physical things... something that was only too common in Philly but isn't any longer.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by AJNEOA

On Ridge Avenue progress would go by the initials PHA

Okay.... I will withhold judgement on it if/when something happens.