Around the Block: 11/4/2022

November 7, 2022 BY JEFF CITY BLOCK

No-hitter. No fun. Our new and current listings and Philly happenings. If you’d like to discuss real estate or anything in this newsletter please send me an email: [email protected]. This edition of Around the Block was originally published on Friday, 11/4/22.

11/4/2022

Relevant Commentary, all information Philly (real estate and otherwise), Open Houses, Listings, Happenings, and More — by Jeff “City” Block

Photo from Inquirer article: Astros even World Series with no-hitter; Rob Thomson’s message to Phillies: ‘We’ve been in this situation before’

No-hitter. No fun.

Wednesday night I went to what was perhaps the second-worst World Series game in history. I say second worst because if you were a mid-century Brooklyn Dodgers fan, I suppose you could argue that Don Larsen’s perfect game in the 1956 World Series was worse. I mean at least the Phillies garnered two walks and the Astros pitchers had to face 29 batters. By the way, you have got to hand it to Wikipedia, which by Thursday morning had already updated Don Larsen’s entry to include the previous night’s Astros combined no-hitter of the Phils.

A no-hitter is obviously when you pitch a game and don’t give up any hits. For those who are not baseball wonks, a combined no-hitter is when this is not accomplished by one pitcher throwing a complete game, but rather by two or more pitchers who combine to retire the 27 batters without allowing a hit. And a perfect game is when a pitcher (or pitchers) allows no batters to reach base whatsoever—by any means (most typically by hit, walk, or error, but there are other ways to reach base as well).

In any event, when your team does not get a hit, there is not much to cheer about, though interestingly, both Phillies who walked, then stole second base. While they were both stranded at second, there were at least several fleeting moments of tepid excitement.

While my son Ari and I enjoyed the experience of attending a World Series game together, the immediate aftermath and feeling was one of disappointment. Whether the Phils end up winning the 2022 World Series or we just end up with the 2022 National League Pennant, last night’s bummer feeling will fade. However, I will always remember that World Series game, the one where the Phils made the wrong kind of history, shared by my son and me.

Well anyway, after last night’s game, we are now down in the Series 3-2, and we need to go back to Houston and win two straight. Not sure what will happen, so I will leave it to the immortal voice of Harry Kalas. I’ve got High Hopes. GO PHILS!!

Warm regards,

Jeff

City Block Team’s

Halloween Recap

Martin Goldfarb made scarecrows and went to Morris Arboretum for trick-or-treating and to check out its scarecrow collection. Martin’s son Dean was dressed as Max from Where The Wild Things Are.

Peter Sterling Watson took his sister Kimmy to Linvilla Orchards.

Lauren Morihara took her family to a Halloween trick-or-treat party on American Street in Society Hill. Her son was dressed as Jason Voorhees and his friend Bishop was Jake from Adventure Time.

Jeff Block took his son Ezra to the “Little Osage” Halloween Block Party in University City where he enjoyed a sweet treat (or two). Jeff was also a sponsor of the event.

Darlene Dolhun and her family celebrated Halloween with a school parade and fiesta, followed by their first time trick-or-treating! Her son Archer was dressed as a tree frog and enjoyed every minute.

Carrie Waterman did a lot this Halloween. The first picture of the skeleton is from The Woodlands where Carrie and her family did a scavenger hunt. (She added the “Let’s Go Phils” banner.) Her family also always goes to Linvilla Orchards as a yearly tradition. While there they enjoyed all the festivities, especially the Witches Sunset Hayride. That’s where her daughter Lily got her face painted. The final pic is from a class playdate where Lily decorated a pumpkin for her teacher.

Jamie Foster spent her Halloweekend hanging out and watching lots of Philly sports with her dog Henry.

Melani Lamond flew out to Oakland, CA, and went trick-or-treating with her son Scott’s family, the skeleton crew.

Megan Hoey went with her boyfriend Aaron and his family to Creamy Acres Night of Terror in South Jersey.

Spotlight Property

GRADUATE NEIGHBORHOOD

1418 Pemberton Street

Brand New Listing

4 BD | 4 BA | 2,750 SF | Finished Lower Level | Private Rear Patio | Spectacular Roof Deck | 2-car Garage Parking | $1,250,000

Gorgeous, sophisticated 4 bedroom plus family room, 4 bath home. Finished lower level (with 11′ ceilings!). 2-CAR GARAGE PARKING (using NYC style lift. SUV fits on the bottom, sedan on the top). Amazing outdoor space–both a lovely, private rear patio and one of the city’s most spectacular roof decks–multiple, comfortable spaces that you will really use, enhanced by skyline views and privacy.

This home offers high ceilings, hardwood floors throughout, and tasteful, high-end, bespoke finishes. Chef’s kitchen with Viking appliances and quartz eating bar, Spacious, 2nd floor primary suite with cove lighting and balcony, designer customizations, professional lighting, built-in speakers, solid-core doors, etc. Lower level has two finished spaces and a full bath. One could be used as a legal 5th bedroom.

The rear patio is splendid and should not be missed. The roof deck with wet bar provides one of the most inviting outdoor spaces in the city. Multiple seating areas include space for a sectional couch; four top table; four seat built-in eating, drinking, hangout bar; plus a built-in swing love seat and a hammock under the pergola. Festive lighting, irrigation system, and very large built-in storage closet (for cushions and all things outdoors). Superb privacy and skyline views. Electric, gas, and water. With umbrella and heat lamp this is a three-season oasis.

Superb Graduate/Avenue of the Arts location on a quiet no-outlet street just blocks from the best of what Center City has to offer. This immediate neighborhood is brimming with luxury new construction. With a 97 WalkScore, easy walk to Rittenhouse Row, Midtown Village, Avenue of the Arts, South Street’s Restaurant Row, Bella Vista, and more. This is a special home with quality finishes, parking, and superb spaces–both indoor and out.

View full listing here

CBT October Closings

CHESTNUT HILL

1 W Hartwell Lane #2E

2 BD | 2.5 BA | 1,936 SF | $1,095,000

SOCIETY HILL

304 S Philip Street

3 BD | 2.5 BA | 2,250 SF | $1,035,000

SPRING GARDEN

2222 Mt Vernon Street

4 BD | 2.5 BA | 2,085 SF | $890,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

5038 Spruce Street

4 Units | 6,400 SF | $810,000

MOUNT AIRY

7111 Germantown Avenue #203

3 BD | 2.5 BA | 2,250 SF | $650,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

4601 Springfield Avenue

6 BD | 2.5 BA | 3,036 SF | $475,000

Here is a list of the 7 other properties the City Block Team sold in October:

Philly Fun This Week

Tasty Restaurants

If you like a unique dining experience and ethnic food then you need to check out the brand-new traditional Yakiniku-style Japanese barbecue spot Jamon Japanese BBQ in Center City. The newly opened restaurant includes a grill at each table where guests can get together and cook their own food including various meats such as chicken, steak, and pork.
This Wednesday the old-school Italian spot, Villa di Roma reopened in the Italian Market. The restaurant is once again serving its classic menu that includes lots of delectable pasta options and quintessential Italian favorites.

Photograph from jomonbbq.com & content courtesy of uwishunu and thephiladelphiacitizen.org.

Opening Performances and Attractions

Through November 13th catch Cameron Mackintosh’s production of the Tony Award-winning musical Les Misérables at the Academy of Music. This musical drama is set in 19-century France during its upheaval and tells the story of passion, broken dreams, and redemption.
Check out the world premiere of the brand-new one-person play School Pictures, featuring playwright and performer Milo Cramera and directed by Wilma Lead Artistic Director Morgan Green. This play runs through November 20th at the Wilma Theatre and includes musical snapshots that tell the stories of individual teenagers’ experiences of injustices at school. Tickets go for $25-$59, with limited pay-what-you-wish options.
Last Thursday was the start of the 11-day Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival (PAAFF) that showcases the stories of Asians and Pacific Islanders in film, music, performance art, and more. This film fest is a hybrid event and all in-person programs take place at Asian Arts Initiative. For a full list of the screenings and special events, check out PAAFF’s official website.
November is CraftMONTH and Philly celebrates with special events throughout the city all month long.
Through December 30th the mystical Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens hosts its after-dark experience, The Gardens After Dark, where colorful lights illuminate the Garden’s mosaics. This experience runs on Fridays from 5:30-8:30 pm and timed tickets are required.
Opening last Friday was a brand-new exhibition at The Center for Art in Wood, Vessel: Embodiment, Autonomy, and Ornament in Wood, that explores the idea of the vessel including its use as a physical tool and as a metaphysical concept.
Once again the seasonal attractions are back at Dilworth Park outside of City Hall. Enjoy the festively decorated Wintergarden, skate on the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, and warm up with a hot beverage and seasonal bites inside the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin. Reservations are encouraged for the 90-minute skating sessions.

Photograph from uwishunu & content courtesy of uwishunu and thephiladelphiacitizen.org.

Featured Listings

GRADUATE NEIGHBORHOOD

1418 Pemberton Street

BRAND NEW LISTING

4 BD | 4 BA | 2,750 SF | $1,250,000

EAST PASSYUNK

1933 S 6th Street

BRAND NEW LISTING

5 BD | 5 BA | 3,250 SF | $629,900

SOCIETY HILL

525 1/2 Spruce Street #10

2 BD | 2 BA | 1,566 SF | $850,000

MOUNT AIRY

7111 Germantown Avenue

New Construction

$340,000 – $1,200,000

SOCIETY HILL

742 Lombard Street

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,446 SF | $725,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

403 S 42nd Street

6 Units | 4,790 SF | $1,200,000

NEWBOLD

1413 S Chadwick Street

3 BD | 3 BA | 2,340 SF | $520,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

4928 Pine Street

Duplex | 2,025 SF | $479,000

AVENUE OF THE ARTS SOUTH

1324 Locust Street #1517

Studio | 1 BA | 342 SF | $99,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

4614 Paschall Avenue

4 BD | 4.5 BA | 2,800 SF | $650,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

331 S 46th Street

COMING SOON

6 BD | 4 BA | 5195 SF | $1,150,000

FRANKFORD – PHILADELPHIA

4115 Salem Street

3 BD | 1 BA | 648 SF | $79,900

Experienced real estate agent?

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The City Block Team is looking for an experienced agent who wants to provide Expert Real Estate Representation. CBT is committed to helping you build your business and offers excellent coaching and mentoring; solid systems & admin support; leads (quality over quantity); superb team camaraderie; and outstanding team name recognition and regard.

Please contact [email protected] to discuss. All inquiries are confidential. Thank you.

Know Someone Looking to Buy or Sell?

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.

Be assured, I will do my best to exceed their expectations! Thanks for taking the time to read this issue of Around the Block.

Some imagery in this e-newsletter was sourced via UWISHUNU, jomonbbq.com, and Canva.

Office: 212-913-9058

Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

No-hitter. No fun.

City Block Team’s

Halloween Recap

1418 Pemberton Street

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