Around the Block: 3/21/25

3/21/25

Witty takes, can't-miss Philly updates, insider info, and curated listings - by Jeff "City" Block

Philly Stuff

Map sourced from centercityphila.org

Hi Readers,

A few thoughts on our great city today—

1. One of my favorite periodic Philly events is its Open Streets program. This is when Philly closes its streets to cars and bikes and opens them to pedestrians only (walking your bike is, of course, welcome!). Open Streets is back every Sunday this April in Rittenhouse Square. The “open” streets will be Walnut from 15th to 19th and 18th from Locust to Chestnut. This is a win-win for Philly residents, visitors, and businesses alike. Read more about Open Streets in this billypenn.com article.

2. Two years ago, I wrote an ATB about the Roundhouse. As Philadelphians know, the Roundhouse is the old Police Administration Building (i.e., PPD Headquarters). The brutalist structure was shaped like handcuffs and had an infamous reputation for brutality. You can read more about this fascinating structure and its history in that 2023 ATB. My newsletter also focused on the history of the Roundhouse, which PPD vacated for good in 2022. At the time, I stated: “I would love to see this classic building stay while removing the high concrete wall and reestablishing the welcoming and transparent feel that the original planners and architects imagined. Obviously, any decision needs to make economic sense for both the city and whoever develops this site.” I then went on to detail five specific uses that I thought could work for the site.

Two years later, and (spoiler alert!) zero progress has been made on planning for this site. Earlier this month, Philadelphia’s Planning Director Jessie Lawrence stated:

“I don’t think that there are any clear next steps defined as far as where we want to go, but we definitely see ourselves, maybe, seeking some development proposals for it, whether that’s around the reuse of it or not. We know what kind of asset we do have in the Roundhouse. We also know that it is brutalist architecture that might present some complexities in repurposing as well. We want to remain open to all the opportunities. Chances are it’ll have to be some sort of competitive opportunity [for redevelopment bids.] We expect to have a significant dialog, to be honest with you, because it’s high time for it.”

In other words, “We have neither done anything nor even considered anything in the past two years. Perhaps we should read Jeff “City” Block’s April 2023 Around the Block newsletter and start there.”

3. There are some great places to eat breakfast or get coffee in University City during the day. A few of my go-to's:

A. Cleo Bagels. Perhaps the best bagel sandwiches in the city, let alone West Philly. First, their bagels and bialys are superb. The Ramen Thing is their most unusual and, therefore, well-known sandwich, but generally not what I am looking for on my morning bagel. My favorite is the Salmon & Chevre, and they have all kinds of eggs, fish, veggies, and other sandwiches. Open daily until 2 pm.

B. KnockBox Cafe. One of Philly’s best coffee shops with bagels and pastries. Open all day, every day. First, they carry Four Worlds bagels, also among the best in the city. (I am a huge fan of bagels, BTW). Maybe try one with their horseradish cream cheese. Solid sandwiches, as well. Also, a great place to go if you just want a good old-fashioned cup of whoopass.

C. Sabrina’s Cafe. One of my favorite sit-down breakfast places in the entire city. And while I most often frequent their 21st & South location, they have an awesome University City spot in Powelton Village as well.  I love their Veggie Patch omelet. They offer an overall huge breakfast, lunch, and brunch menu. Delicious coffee, as well. If you go on a weekend morning, plan to wait. During the week—all good.

D. Renatas Kitchen. Great food all day long, though I have always loved their omelets and home fries. One downside is that they don’t open until 10 (since the pandemic) and that generally does not work for me. But if it works for you, I highly recommend.

I am sure I left out some breakfast favorites, so please let me know if I did. And talking about leaving stuff out, an astute reader pointed out that in the last ATB, when discussing the eclectic week, which includes Pi Day, St Patrick’s Day, and The Ides of March, I neglected to mention the Hindu festival Holi. Then I realized I neglected to mention Purim as well (and I am Jewish). At least I gave a shout-out to Ramadan. Quick backstory here—that piece was an encore piece from two years ago. In 2023, both Holi and Purim had already passed when I drafted the ATB regarding this mid-March eclectic week trio.

So, mental note to update holidays and shoutouts if I do an encore piece from a previous year.

Am I missing any holidays this week? National French Bread Day? Why?

Have a great weekend!

Warm regards,

Jeff

Spotlight Property

Featured Listings

BRAND NEW LISTING!

Rittenhouse Square

1710-12 Locust Street

7 BD | 8 BA | 9500 SF | $5,250,000

University City - NEW LISTING!

818 S 49th Street

5 BD | 3 BA | 2805 SF | $669,000

University City - PENDING!

835 South 49th Street

5 BD | 2 BA | 2754 SF | $629,000

Spring Garden - BRAND NEW LISTING!

1613 Green Street, Unit 2

2 BD | 2 BA | 1246 SF | $535,000

University City

5040 Larchwood Avenue

3 BD | 2.5 BA | 1700 SF | $525,000

Center City West - Pending!

1811 Chestnut Street, # 501

2 BD | 2.5 BA | 1337 SF | $525,000

Graduate Hospital - PENDING

2639 Bainbridge Street

3 BD | 1 BA | 1026 SF | $469,000

FOX CHASE

709 Chandler Street

3 BD | 2 BA | 1600 SF | $445,000

Graduate Hospital

1704 Webster Street

2 BD | 1 BA | 874 SF | $389,000

Cobbs Creek - NEW LISTING!

5745 Addison Street

3 BD | 1 BA | 1140 SF | $210,000

Cobbs Creek - PENDING!

5759 Catharine Street

3 BD | 1.5 BA | 1122 SF | $200,000

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.

GO PHILS!!

Some imagery in this e-newsletter was sourced via visitphilly.com and Canva.