Around the Block: 2/17/2023

February 20, 2023 BY JEFF CITY BLOCK

Eagles Coda, 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 Saturday, 2/18/23.

2/17/2023

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

Super-pumped up Jeff before the game.

Melancholy Jeff in car, stuck in traffic leaving the game.

Eagles Coda

I have now written about the Eagles a lot and with good reason. This was a really special season. The Eagles have only been to the Super Bowl four times in the Big Game’s 57-year history. And on paper, this is the most talented of any of those teams. But paper does not win championships, and alas, this team fell short—just like Dick Vermiel’s 1980 team and Andy Reid’s 2004 team. So, a few final thoughts and then back to not continually writing about the Eagles every week:

A ton of people asked me if I still had a good time in Arizona. The answer is yes. I had an awesome time with my uncle and cousins from Friday afternoon through Sunday evening whenever the 2nd half started. The Eagles played very poorly in the 2nd half, lost a 10-point lead, yet remained fully in the game with a solid chance to win until the refs called defensive holding on James Bradberry with less than two minutes remaining. From that holding call on, I was totally deflated. Home could not have come soon enough, and thankfully, I was at the airport at 6 am Monday mor ning to fly back to Philly. All-in-all, I had a good time in Phoenix. I can tell you that the loss would have been significantly worse if the Eagles had not won a Super Bowl five years prior. I am really fortunate to have also been at that game in Minneapolis.
This Super Bowl was a close, toss-up game against two evenly matched teams. It is easy to look at some bad breaks and say the Eagles got screwed. That is not how I see it. Yes, the last-minute holding call was an unfortunate moment for the Eagles and the NFL. It was not the right call. Not because Bradberry did not slightly pull at Juju Smith-Schuster’s jersey. He did and he admitted he did. But because that type of “hold” is typically not called, had not been called earlier in this game, and should never be called to decide a game, let alone a Super Bowl. Instead of viewers getting to enjoy a two-minute drill to decide the championship, one of the most exciting scenarios in sports, they were treated to Patrick Mahomes kneeling on the ball a few times before a short gimme field goal. So, while that official’s call essentially ended the game, the Eagles put themselves in that position. No sacks. Two easy, wide-open, late-game KC TD passes. A poor punt sickeningly compounded by allowing the punt return to the Birds’ 5. The gashing KC run game in the 2nd half, on top of the successful KC 2nd half passing game. The false start that turned an easy 3rd & 1 conversion to a 3rd & 6, immediately followed by a very uncharacteristic, unforced fumble by Jalen Hurts. And a bunch of other things as well. So many reasons we lost the game. Absolutely cannot blame one weak call by the refs.
You also can’t blame the horrible field conditions. Yes, the ridiculously slippery grass for a Super Bowl (really for any NFL game) hurt the Eagles with our superior edge rushers more than KC who chiefly (ugh!) rely on pressure up the middle. I mean Hassan Reddick had clear trouble turning the corner without slipping. But in the end, both teams played on the same field, and this is the National Football League. If the field is slippery, then it is slippery, whether because of rain, snow, or poor groundskeeping, as was the case here. Absolutely not an excuse for a loss.
One more comment on the field conditions. The groundskeeper here was a 94-year-old man nicknamed the Sodfather. And he retired immediately after the game. You can’t make this stuff up.
To me, it seemed there were approximately an equal number of Chiefs and Eagles fans. I saw no issues among fans, and as always, I love talking to the other team’s fans. I love the Eagles because I am from Philly, not because of any particular characteristic of the team. And I expect KC fans feel the same way. I always respect fans in any sport who root for their hometown team. Cowboys fans in Philly, however?
As I mentioned above, what mitigates this loss for me is that we did win five years ago. At least the Birds have won a Super Bowl, and pretty recently at that. But the most aggravating thing about this loss is what a golden chance it was. This was a special team that will change a lot before next season. Both the offensive and defensive coordinators have already left for head coaching jobs. Additionally, the Eagles have a lot of free agents, and they cannot keep them all, especially with Jalen Hurts first major contract coming up. But we have a great coach, a crafty GM, a solid roster (of guys who are signed), and most importantly, an absolute top-tier NFL QB in Jalen Hurts. While getting back to the Super Bowl is never easy I expect the Birds to compete for years to come. And hopefully, get back next year!
The Sixers will hopefully compete for the NBA Championship and the Phillies Spring Training is just getting going. The seasons move on.

All-in-all it was a great run that I really enjoyed. Have a great weekend.

Best regards,

Jeff

Spotlight Property

UNIVERSITY CITY

632 S 51st Street

Just Reduced

4 BD | 1.5 BA | 1,792 SF | Significant Updates | Large Foyer | Private Outdoor Space | $419,000

Introducing a brand new full renovation on a tree-lined Cedar Park block! This modern 4 bedroom 1.5 bathroom is the perfect blend of a new renovation while still keeping the original character intact.

Be the first to live in this newly renovated, sunny home. Situated in a thriving community close to so many West Philly staples — The Gold Standard Cafe, Carbon Copy, Green Line Coffee, Clark Park, Mariposa Food Co-op, Bookers, Aksum Cafe, and Black Hound Clay Studio. This home is located just two blocks north of Baltimore Avenue and in proximity to local parks, shopping, and the trolley line.

View full listing here

Philly Fun This Week

Live Entertainment and Performances

Head to the Forrest Theatre to see the Tony Award-winning musical 1776 for the first stop of its national tour. This musical is about the intense debates that took place during the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and it features a cast of diverse performers who identify as non-binary, female, and trans. The show runs until February 26th, so be sure to grab a ticket before its next stop.
This week the fabulous Bearded Ladies Cabaret strap on their skates for a hilarious and sultry winter-themed drag show that takes place on the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink. There will be lots of laughs, extravagant costumes, and perhaps a few tumbles. And after the show, there will be a free skate for all skill levels, which is included with the price of admission. Tickets are required for all performances. Please note that the morning Family Skate shows are catered towards children and the evening ones are for 13+ audiences.

Photograph & content courtesy of uwishunu.

Exciting New Exhibitions and Presidents Day Events

Visit the Franklin Institute on Saturday for the world premiere of a brand-new exhibition showcasing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creation of Disney’s most iconic films, shows, characters, and attractions. Disney100: The Exhibition features 10 themed galleries with interactive installations spanning all the way from Snow White to Star Wars. The exhibition runs until August 27th.
Learn more about Philly’s local bird population and other birdies that migrate to the region at the Conversations With Birds exhibition opening Saturday. This exhibition is located at The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University and features migration data and state-of-the-art, bird tracking technologies, live nest-cam footage of local peregrine falcons, and information on the struggles birds face in urban settings like Philly. Also, on select Saturdays through May 21st, visitors can meet with local birdwatching groups to share stories and talk about some tricks of the trade.
The National Constitution Center offers special Presidents Day weekend activities including make-your-own campaign poster stations, presidential trivia contests, and presentations in the kid-friendly story corner. Also, on Monday be sure to catch presidential reenactors portraying Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt from 12 to 2 pm. Museum admission is free all-day Monday in honor of the holiday.
Check out special Presidents Day programming at the Museum of the American Revolution. The museum celebrates with inaugural button-making crafts for the kids, gallery talks on the peaceful transition of power, and interactive activities exploring the furniture that would have been used inside Washington’s headquarters tent. Regular museum admission includes all Presidents Day programming.

Photograph & content courtesy of uwishunu.

Featured Listings

WASH WEST

504 S 11th Street #36

2 BD | 1.5 BA | 1,166 SF | $385,000

SOCIETY HILL

504 S Hancock Street

2 BD | 1 BA | 802 SF | $360,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

632 S 51st Street

NEW PRICE

4 BD | 1.5 BA | 1,792 SF | $419,000

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

MOYAMENSING

1933 S 6th Street

5 BD | 5 BA | 3,250 SF | $599,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

4215 Regent Square

5 BD | 2.5 BA | 1,710 SF | $685,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

4614 Paschall Avenue

4 BD | 4.5 BA | 2,800 SF | $598,000

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, xfinitylive.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.

Eagles Coda

Spotlight Property

632 S 51st Street

Philly Fun This Week

Featured Listings

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