The Eastern Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute at 3232 Henry Avenue has sat vacant since 2013. | Photo: Brian Hickey, for NewsWorks
- Last month, the Commonwealth finalized the sale of the sprawling former Eastern Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute at 3232 Henry Avenue for a mere $2.1 million to Rittenhouse Square-based NewCourtland Senior Services. East Falls residents, having mistakenly assumed that a legislated prohibition against its institutional reuse was still in effect, are begrudgingly coming to accept that a senior living community will eventually come to the 14-acre site, says state Rep. Pamela DeLissio. With NewCourtland now yet ready to publicly disclose their vision, DeLissio the mediator opines on the possibility of reaching a mutually acceptable solution. Perhaps something like Baltimore’s Stadium Place, she suggests to NewsWorks, “a community for more than 300 older adults that provides long-term care, short-term rehabilitation and mixed-income housing, as well as retail stores, a beauty salon and computer lab.”
- Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust is “navigating the political winds in Philadelphia,” said chief executive Joseph Coradino at a meeting last week in response to an analyst’s query about a public financing option for The Gallery’s eventual renovations. Until PREIT and City Council can agree on the shopping mall’s value, reports The Inquirer, specific details as to its redesign will be kept under wraps.
- The Passyunk Post takes note of the burgeoning rents to be found in Point Breeze, 17% from 2013-2014—the highest of any neighborhood within Greater Center City (from river to river, Girard Avenue to Tasker Street)—stoking persistent fears of displacement.
- CBS Phillyreminds us that yesterday marked the 24th anniversary of the One Meridian Plaza fire, in which three firefighters lost their lives. Its location overlooking Center Square “raised the stakes,” necessitating a review of the fire code that could “give firefighters a fighting chance in sky piercing structures.”
About the author
Stephen Currall recently received his BA in history from Arcadia University. Before beginning doctoral studies, he is pursuing his interest in local history, specifically just how Philadelphians engage their vibrant past. Besides skimming through 18th century letters, Steve is also interested in music and travel.
