Relevant Commentary, all information Philly (real estate and otherwise), Open Houses, Listings, Happenings, and More — by Jeff “City” Block
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Today I want to talk about a true Philadelphia hero. And I want to do my part to make sure he is not forgotten. It is a terribly sad story, but I believe a very important one. He was murdered one year ago today.
I did not know him, but I know his widow. Not well. In fact, I did not even know that her husband was a Philadelphia Police Corporal until the day he was killed, and it made front page news. Terri O’Connor was the Registrar of The Philadelphia School, where my boys are now in 5th grade and Kindergarten. She also regularly sat at the school’s front desk, so I saw her all the time, but really knew her just well enough to say “hi.”
Philadelphia Police Cpl. James O’Connor IV was the first Philadelphia Police officer killed in the line of duty since 2015. He and other members of the PPD SWAT team were serving a murder warrant on a violent gang member who was holed up in a Frankford apartment. This dangerous criminal then fired his rifle blindly through a door, striking and fatally wounding Cpl. O’Connor, who died shortly thereafter at Temple University Hospital.
Remember that this happened in the very first days of the pandemic, so the family could not even hold a proper funeral. Sadly, we are more accustomed to this now, but we were certainly not used to this horror on March 13, 2020.
In the piece, Terri O’Connor is quoted, “on a rainy Friday in March, my world and my entire family’s lives were turned upside down.”
Terri has since left her job at TPS. In addition to Terri, according to the article, James O’Connor was survived by a daughter and a son and daughter-in-law and their baby daughter (they now have another on the way). The piece also noted that Terri and James were one month shy of their 25th wedding anniversary.
Sergeant James O’Connor, IV (he was posthumously promoted) died protecting the residents of the Frankford neighborhood and all Philadelphians from a mass murderer who had taken the lives of at least several innocent people, destroying their families as well. His name is not worth mentioning here, but another Inquirer article noted that he bragged about this murder from his cell.
I know this is a sad story and not what I would usually write. But yesterday’s article really touched me.
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In-Person Open Houses are (safely) Back!*
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*For everyone’s safety, all Open House attendees, including the hosting agent, are required to wear facemasks, and to complete the COVID health screening questionnaire prior to attending City Block Team Open Houses.
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2200 Arch Street, Unit 804
Available for Sale and Rent
2 BD | 1.5 BA | Garage Parking | Pet Friendly
$525,000
Spectacular corner industrial-style flat with 1-car garage parking in highly desirable Logan Square. This bright and airy 2 bedroom (or 1 bedroom plus office) 1.5 bathroom residence makes for the perfect pied-a-terre. Soaring 12’+ ceilings, oversized 9′ windows, and breathtaking unobstructed Center City skyline and Northeast views.
Thoughtful renovations and design has opened up previously unusable negative space to create a second bedroom or office. Ideal open living with hardwood floors throughout.
Well appointed kitchen with custom lacquer cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and pantry.
French doors welcome you to the spacious primary suite with multiple exposures, the city skyline as a picturesque backdrop, and ensuite bath with frameless glass shower stall and clawfoot soaking tub.
2200 Arch is a pet friendly loft style highrise with 24 hour doorman, onsite fitness center and secure parking. Amazing location — walking distance to Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Suburban and 30th Street Stations, Center City business district, museums, Rittenhouse Square, The Schuylkill River Trail, and just a block away from soon-to-be 65,000 square foot flagship Giant. GREENFIELD School Catchment. This unit has plenty of additional storage in both the laundry closet and lofted area above the foyer and half bathroom.
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(Safe) Philly Fun This Week
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Family Saturday at Dilworth Park
Each Saturday families can enjoy fresh air and warmer weather at Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn at Dilworth Park.
Photograph from @ccdparks on Instagram & content courtesy of uwishunu.com.
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Open Museums & Attractions in Philly
Many of Philly’s museums and attractions are open again for in-person visitation.
Check out this recently updated guide featuring must-see attractions in more than 40 spots.
This week get out and visit:
Note: Many attractions have limited hours and are only open on select days, so be sure to check ahead before swinging by.
Additionally, you can book
the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package, and snag buy-one-get-one-free tickets to some of these attractions. (The package also includes free hotel parking.)
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4 Bed | 4.5 Bath
$1,275,000
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East Mount Airy
New Construction
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4 Bed | 2.5 Bath
$675,000
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250 S 17th Street, Unit 100
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2200 Arch Street, Unit 804
2 Bed | 1.5 Bath
$525,000
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4617 Pine Street, Unit H210
4 Bed | 2.5 Bath
$449,000
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519 McClellan Street
BRAND NEW LISTING
2 Bed | 1.5 Bath
$295,000
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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.
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 Visit Philly, UWISHUNU Philadelphia, and Canva.
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