Relevant Commentary, all information Philly (real estate and otherwise), Open Houses, Listings, Happenings, and More — by Jeff “City” Block
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Streeteries are here to stay?
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Some of the things I remember from growing up in Center City in the 70s and 80s compared to now is that there were relatively few kids, no buildings taller than Billy Penn’s hat (everyone knows that one, of course), there were a bunch of arcades and first-run movie theaters on Chestnut Street, you got Kentucky Fried Chicken at a place called Gino’s, and there was no cross-town expressway (The Vine opened in 1991). But perhaps the biggest and most positive change is when Mayor Ed Rendell legalized outdoor dining by executive order in 1995.
Yes, prior to 1995, outdoor seating was prohibited in Philly. There was zero outdoor seating around Rittenhouse Square or any other sidewalk in the entire city. There was less activity, joy, and buzz on the streets. I really loved Philly growing up but once al fresco dining opened up (and the number of outdoor seats exploded), the city took on a new, awesome energy. Virtually everyone loves outdoor dining, and it has been a huge positive for our city.
Fast forward to 2020 and restaurants need a way to survive in a world where indoor dining is prohibited. Enter the streetery: where a restaurant sets up structures for outdoor dining in the street in front of their establishment. Most streeteries take up a previous parking or loading lane, or sometimes what was a lane of traffic. And some actually close an entire block and make for more of a pedestrian festival atmosphere. Well, those restaurants that survived the pandemic have mostly reopened indoor dining (thanks to the vaccine). If anything, a staffing shortage has been the limiting factor more than the pandemic at this point. Yes, the streeteries have mostly remained, and many of the structures have been improved. Now, the ordinance that permitted streeteries expires at the end of the year, but a bill is in the works to make this permanent and more regulated (really important, especially for people with disabilities who could have trouble navigating around certain setups). I love this.
Now as someone who drives through and parks around Center City for work, you might think I find streeteries annoying. I mean the increased congestion and lost parking (not all due to streeteries, but absolutely a contributing factor) are not great. But on the contrary, I would take this inconvenience any day for the increased vibrancy and commerce that streeteries bring to our already energetic and most walkable city. While I am certainly a Philly driver, it is people and pedestrians that help make our city so spirited and lively.
Philadelphia Maneto. Streeteries Maneto.
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722 S Bancroft Street
Brand New Listing
3 BD + Family Room | 2.5 BA | 2,150 SF | Low Utility Costs | 2 Outdoor Spaces | $795,000
A spacious, highly upgraded home in Graduate’s most sustainable premium development–Bancroft Green. On a quiet, tree-lined block, this home was the upgraded model unit, and it shows! 3 bedroom plus spacious and bright family room, 2.5 bath home with an open living plan, large rooms, and 2 outdoor spaces (a cute patio off the living space and a phenomenal roof patio with green roof and skyline views).
This home offers unmatched sustainability, livability, light, quality, taste, and location. Designed by Best of Philly Green Architects Re:Vision. Just spectacular natural light. Extremely low utility costs with 2-zone GEOTHERMAL HVAC, water circulation pump, Sense System Energy Monitoring, Toto dual flush toilets, increased insulation, and Pella energy efficient windows.
Save $1,000’s a year in utility costs, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy the beautiful reclaimed brick facade, high ceilings, green roof, abundant natural light, hard Bamboo flooring, quartz countertops, and Bosch ENERGY STAR appliances. Exterior, secure bike storage (or trash cans/stroller).
Awesome location-lovely & quiet block; just a short walk to superb restaurants, gastro pubs, and coffee shops. Easy walk to Rittenhouse Square. One of the city’s most convenient locations–99 WalkScore.
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Boo at the Zoo at the Philadelphia Zoo is back starting this Saturday at 9:30 am, and will continue on select weekend days through October 31. Kids can come all dressed up in costume and the entire zoo will be covered in fall decor.
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Mount Airy
New Construction
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722 S Bancroft Street
BRAND NEW LISTING
3 Bed | 2.5 Bath
$795,000
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504 S 46th Street
BRAND NEW LISTING
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5 Bed | 2.5 Bath
$595,000
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733 S 12th Street, Unit 200
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1811 Chestnut Street #502
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727 S 50th Street, Unit B
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3 Bed | 1.5 Bath
$225,000
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191 Presidential Boulevard, Unit R530
1 Bed | 1.5 Bath
$175,000
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250 S 13th Street, Unit 8F
NEW PRICE
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847 E Madison Street
BRAND NEW LISTING
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As always, please know that I’m humbled by and appreciative of your introductions and referrals. If you have a friend, colleague, or family member that is in need of Expert Real Estate Representation, please have them contact me
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Be assured, I will do my best to exceed their expectations! Thanks for taking the time to read this issue of Around the Block.
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Some imagery in this e-newsletter was sourced via philadelphiacitizen.org and Canva.
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