Around the Block: 3/31/2023

April 3, 2023 BY JEFF CITY BLOCK

Lights Out Philly, 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, 3/31/23.

3/31/2023

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

Lights Out Philly (Go Birds!)

Hey Everyone,

Up to One Billion birds are killed in the United States each year due to collisions with man-made structures, including high-rise buildings and residential homes. Migrating birds are drawn to bright lights. Accordingly, it is time again for Lights Out Philly! Lights Out Philly is a semi-annual program organized by Bird Safe Philly to protect migrating birds during both their spring and fall migrations. Last year, I wrote about bird migrations from a Philly point of view here and the specific Lights Out Philly program here.

In short, Lights Out Philly is a program where building management/occupants voluntarily pledge to turn off interior and exterior lighting between midnight and 6 am for the two months that cover each seasonal migration. The spring dates are April 1st through May 31st and the fall dates between August 15th and November 15th.

So the spring Lights Out starts tomorrow and it is easy to sign up and make the pledge. It takes less than two minutes to read all about the program and sign up at this link.

Note that Lights Out applies to high-rise buildings, low-rise buildings, and all residential properties. It can apply to a full high-rise commercial building or an individual condominium residence within a building. Every light out matters and can save a bird’s life (which then leads to more baby birds and a vital, exponential increase in bird populations).

And Lights Out Philly has made a material difference since it began in 2021. A recent Inquirer article describes the program and the benefits it has created so far. Highlights include:

Starting tomorrow night, you will notice major Philly buildings with their lights out (or reduced) from at least midnight until 6 am. This includes the Comcast towers, Cira Center, and Liberty Place. Hopefully, the Philly skyline is really dark!
“It’s estimated that 1,000 birds die each year in just a four-block area of Center City with a rough radius spanning 17th to 19th and Market to Arch. Thousands more are killed after striking low-slung buildings in other parts of the city. Overall, it’s estimated that as many as one billion birds fly into buildings in the United States annually.”
About 45 cities participate in the National Audubon Society’s Lights Out programs.
“Locally, Lights Out Philly is run by Bird Safe Philly, a partnership led by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University and including Audubon Mid-Atlantic, Delaware Valley Ornithological Club, National Audubon Society, Valley Forge Audubon Society, and Wyncote Audubon Society. The goal is to create safe spaces for birds and to develop awareness of bird accidents.”
“All of us involved are thrilled that the program has gone so well. We had an excellent beginning and It’s going to take some work to expand it,” stated Audubon Mid-Atlantic Program Manager for Urban Conservation Keith Russell.
While data collection for the nascent Lights Out program is in its infancy, Audubon volunteer Stephen Maciejewski anecdotally noted that he has “seen a dramatic success at a two-story atrium near 17th and Market. In the past… the atrium was ‘lit up like a beacon.’ But, bird deaths have dropped 70% since lights have been turned off in spring and fall.”

‘The right thing to do’: How a darkened Philly skyline has helped save birds (by Frank Kummer, February 28, 2023)

So have a great weekend, Lights Out Philly (Go Birds!). And Go Phils!

Warm regards,

Jeff

Spotlight Property

RITTENHOUSE SQUARE

1515 Lombard Street

Brand New Listing

4 BD | 3.5 BA | 3,700+ SF | High-end, Custom Finishes |

Finished Lower Level | Roof Deck | Greenfield School Catchment On-site Gated Parking | 4 Years Remain on Tax Abatement | $2,150,000

Introducing 1515 Lombard Street – a home developed with the unique vision of beautiful, high-quality finishes coupled with comfort and ease of functionality. This one-of-a-kind Rittenhouse Square neighborhood residence is located in the desirable GREENFIELD school catchment. Within steps of the home are a multitude of city attractions: from the arts, to the square, to professional sports/entertainment, to your choice of dining. This is the perfect place to call home.

This townhome residence was built in 2017 (over 4 years of Tax Abatement remain, 2023 Tax amount: $7,964) and includes 4 spacious bedrooms with large closets, 3 gorgeous baths, and a powder room. Offering approximately 3,700+ square feet, private on-site gated PARKING, and a generous roof deck with exceptional, unobstructed Center City views.

High-end, custom finishes throughout include generous base & case molding, solid core 7’ doors, Cat 5 wiring throughout, 2 hotspots, WAC brushed nickel stair lighting, Sonos home automation & interior sound systems, Honeywell wifi-enabled thermostats, Honeywell security system, hardwired smoke & carbon monoxide detectors, quiet bath exhaust fans, dual zone 14 seer AC system, dual-zone energy-efficient gas heat, security cameras, and much more.

View full listing here

Philly Fun This Week

New Prehistoric Exhibit

Check out 25 massive animatronic dinosaurs and insects at the Philadelphia Zoo’s brand-new exhibit: Staying Power: Be Distinct, or Go Extinct!. These gigantic creatures let visitors examine the traits that allowed insects to survive long after the dinosaurs went extinct. Access to the exhibit requires an additional charge and it opens to the public this Saturday.

Photograph from @philadelphiazoo on Instagram & content courtesy of thephiladelphiacitizen.org and uwishunu.

Food and Drink Happenings

Try something new or an old favorite at FDR Park’s Southeast Asian Market. This unique community market spotlights Southeast Asian cultures and cuisines with sample spices, prepared meals, and produce from over 60 Thai, Lao, Vietnamese, Indonesian, and Khmer vendors. The market opens this Saturday and then continues to run from 10 am to 6 pm every Saturday and Sunday through the fall.
Get into the spring spirit with a flower-filled pop-up at Craftsman Row Saloon. This pop-up features copious floral décor and a spring-themed menu which includes cocktails such as a sparkling coconut spritz and a hibiscus old fashioned.
Through April 23rd, enjoy a menu full of Polish staples at Volvér. Volvér’s Jose Garces and chefs Ryan Elmore and Kaitlin Wines of South Street’s eatery, Mom-Mom’s Kitchen, get together to create this special menu which includes delicious pierogis, Polish Easter Soup, and sausage-stuffed pretzels.

Photograph & content courtesy of uwishunu.

Outdoor Attractions and Lights Out Philly

As I mentioned above starting Saturday, Bird Safe Philly once again asked for citizens and businesses to turn off their indoor and outdoor lights from midnight to 6 am to help protect migratory birds that pass over the city. This initiative runs from April 1st to May 31st. Please read my piece to learn more.
There’s been some debate on what date is the true peak for cherry blossom blooms in our region. Morris Arboretum currently expects peak bloom to begin this weekend, while Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center’s prediction has the peak beginning on or around Monday, April 3rd. Either way now is a great time to get outside and enjoy seeing some beautiful flowers. To figure out where to enjoy these blooms, check out Visit Philly’s guide to the best places to view cherry blossoms during peak bloom in Philadelphia.
Head to the streets of Northeast Philly’s Mayfair business district to see realistic bronze statues from American sculptor Seward Johnson Atelier. Through the end of September, nine playful works will be scattered along Frankford Avenue including Who’s in Charge, a father-and-son sculpture placed in front of the iconic Mayfair Diner.

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

Featured Listings

UNIVERSITY CITY

4632 Larchwood Avenue

5 BD | 2.5 BA | 2,718 SF | $997,500

WEST MOUNT AIRY

153 W Weaver Street

BRAND NEW LISTING

4 BD | 1.5 BA | 1,240 SF | $299,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

4721 Chester Avenue

COMING SOON

6 BD | 3.5 BA | 6,623 SF | $1,300,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

435 S 46th Street

5 BD | 2.5 BA | 2,721 SF | $750,000

MOUNT AIRY

7111 Germantown Avenue #403

3 BD | 2.5 BA | 1,775 SF | $830,000

WEST POWELTON

321 N 40th Street

5 Units | 5,792 SF | $1,595,000

MOYAMENSING

1933 S 6th Street

NEW PRICE

5 BD | 5 BA | 3,250 SF | $579,000

SOCIETY HILL

742 Lombard Street

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

MOUNT AIRY

7111 Germantown Avenue #102

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,670 SF | $540,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

632 S 51st Street

NEW PRICE

4 BD | 1.5 BA | 1,792 SF | $409,000

GRADUATE NEIGHBORHOOD

706 S Bancroft Street

COMING SOON

3 BD | 2.5 BA | 1,650 SF | $639,000

WASH WEST

504 S 11th Street #36

2 BD | 1.5 BA | 1,166 SF | $368,000

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, thephiladelphiacitizen.org, 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.

Lights Out Philly (Go Birds!)

Spotlight Property

1515 Lombard Street

Philly Fun This Week

Featured Listings

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