Constitution Health Plaza on South Broad Street | Photo: Flying Kite
- Flying Kite looks at the upgrades at the former St. Agnes Hospital at South Broad & Passyunk, where the four-building Constitution Health Plaza provides residents with a “one-stop shop” of independent healthcare providers. Leasing and marketing director Elizabeth Daly explains that 18 of the eventual 24 tenants have already settled into the facility, which she says retained use of St. Agnes’ marble while altering the interior space, including an atrium and fresh lobby. “On the exterior we really want it to be a landmark along Broad Street,” says Daly. “South Philadelphia is very unique neighborhood, and it’s pretty exciting for us to be right in the middle of where the revitalization is taking place…it’s complemented each other: [the] investment in the building and people’s enthusiasm for the East Passyunk corridor.”
- Developer Ken Weinstein announced on Monday an effort that he is coordinating that would “Jumpstart Germantown” with a set of measures aimed at encouraging small-scale developers, rehabbers, and flippers in the neighborhood, creating 1) a mentoring program, 2) a network to facilitate cooperation amongst developers, and 3) a “$2 million credit line from JPMorgan Chase that he said would be parceled out to the small developers to acquire and renovate homes for sale or as rental properties,” reports The Inquirer.
- While the Planning Commission and Councilman Kenyatta Johnson’s office may not have reached “a clear-cut consensus on what all the stakeholders want” along Washington Avenue west of Broad, says Johnson aide Steve Cobb, “we know what they don’t want.” And so, Plan Phillyreports that the Commission recommended yesterday to prohibit certain uses (surface parking lots, correction facilities, pawn shops, strip clubs) on the corridor prior to any formal reckoning by the two sides of its future.
- The chances of PATCO rehabbing and reopening the Franklin Square Station, last used in 1979, have been diminished with the release of a feasibility study commissioned by the Delaware River Port Authority. Its reuse would cost an estimated $18.5 million, about 50% more than the agency was expecting, says The Inquirer. The report makes no recommendation either way as to its reuse.
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.
