Around the Block: 3/7/25

I Love Trees/Spring Market, Witty takes, can’t-miss Philly updates, insider info, and curated listings – by Jeff “City” Block

Blog Copy of JCB 3/7/25 | ATB

3/7/25

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

I Love Trees / Spring Market

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Carpenter Woods

Rittenhouse Square

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

The Wissahickon

Hi Readers,

 

The bustling Spring market continues, and I love it. Bring it on. For the Spring, inventory remains low, so if you are considering selling at any time, please reach out to discuss options. At the same time, I have some Spring listings coming up, and no doubt other realtors do as well. So, if you are looking to buy—some new listings are on the way. Please reach out to discuss.

 


Philly Trees

 

No one can overstate the importance of trees. It doesn’t matter whether you are a self-proclaimed “tree-hugger,” a logging industry lobbyist or you fall somewhere in between—all living things need trees to survive.


My family loves trees. Whether in our backyard (The Wiss, Rittenhouse Square), on family vacation (the majestic Coast Redwoods of northern California), or even in our literal backyard, trees just can’t be beat.

 

Trees enhance quality of life and are, of course, really important in real estate. “Tree-lined block” is one of the positive location descriptors I use most! I especially like “lined with mature trees….”

 

This makes sense, as one of the most essential characteristics that make any neighborhood more beautiful, joyful and cooler (literally) is a tree canopy. Whether a row of fully mature trees or some recently planted saplings that will one day stand tall, trees on a block materially increase the quality of life and property values.  

 

So many Philly blocks and entire neighborhoods lack any tree canopy at all, which is why the Philly Tree Plan is so important to our city. The Plan aims to increase Philly’s tree canopy to 30% within 30 years. Amazingly, the Plan was just awarded a vital $12,000,000 federal grant last fall. The Plan is underway!!


But wait… hold your horses. Unfortunately, the federal government has just frozen those already promised funds, which you can read about here. Hopefully, these crucial funds will be released soon, but if not, the Philly Tree Plan still intends to move forward, though obviously, there will be a delay while other funding sources can be obtained.

 

The city has made some mistakes when it comes to tree conservation. The Philly Tree Plan is a way to begin to set things right.

 

Have a great weekend.

 

Best regards,

 

Jeff

Spotlight Property

West Mount Airy - COMING SOON!

116 W Mt Pleasant Avenue

6 BD 4.5 BA 4250 SF $1,495,000

Set back from West Mt Pleasant Avenue and offering both stellar serenity and privacy, this 6-bedroom (or 5 bedroom plus office); 4.5 bath home with a huge family/great room (large enough for multiple uses); substantial, wooded outdoor space; 2-car parking; huge windows for immense light; ideal layout; and a stunning, crisp, modern farm-house style.


This ground-up new construction is designed by the renowned C2 Architecture and developed by award-winning Bancroft Green (both local). With the Philadelphia 10-year TAX ABATEMENT, this new construction is anything but cookie-cutter. Rather, it offers the tasteful high-end finishes that you would expect to see in such a brilliantly designed custom home. Spectacular, custom, light-filled spaces throughout, including high ceilings, hardwood floors, large windows, cathedral ceilings, and tasteful, high-end contemporary finishes. Multiple-zone ultra-efficient HVAC is complemented by the tight envelope and elevated R-factor (insulation) for premier energy efficiency.


Ample outdoor space, including a walk-out deck off the open kitchen, dining, and living area for perfectly extended indoor-outdoor living and divine entertaining. In addition to the deck, the outdoor spaces include a large fully usable, wooded area to the rear, plus a front yard (and driveway with side-by-side parking plus turnaround) that provides ample privacy and buffer from the street.


This home offers flexible space for various needs. For example, the first floor has its own suite, with available connection to the first-floor main living space plus a separate exterior entrance—perfect for intergenerational families, a professional office, a main level primary suite, or a den/office/guest room combo. There is a spectacular 2nd floor primary suite, another full suite in the walk-out lower level (plus the family and great room), and three other bedrooms.


As you look through this home with its huge European tilt-n-turn (plus casement functionality) OKNOPLAST® windows, you will not believe you are in the city. Even for West Mt Airy, this lot offers a green and woodsy feel. Other features include the custom steel and wood stairs with floor to ceiling windows. High ceilings throughout, including pitched, 20-foot ceilings, a 2-story atrium, butler pantry, Eucalyptus floors throughout, excellent storage throughout, Custom cabinetry from Studio Cidra (American modern furniture handmade in Philadelphia) and quartz countertops throughout kitchen and all baths, Kitchen aid high end appliances (including wine fridge and induction cooktop), and 2-zone high efficiency Bosch heat pumps (20 seer). The feel, layout, light, spaces, and finishes of this home are exquisite.


Enjoy the most convenient West Mt Airy location--easily walkable to many restaurants, cafes, retail, parks, shopping, library, and more. 5-minute drive to the Wissahickon Valley and miles of wooded trails. 5-minute walk to the Allens Lane Station on the SEPTA regional rail. And, of course, a quick ride to Chestnut Hill, Center City, Manayunk, and the Main Line. Live in one of Philly's most desirable and historic neighborhoods. Houston School Catchment (easy walk). 10-year Tax Abatement. SHOWINGS START SOON.

Featured Listings

Rittenhouse Square - PENDING!

2042 Rittenhouse Square

4 BD | 3 BA | 2625 SF | $950,000

University City - BRAND NEW LISTING!

818 S 49th Street

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

Center City West - Pending!

1811 Chestnut Street, # 501

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

University City - BRAND NEW LISTING!

835 S 49th Street

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

Rittenhouse Square - PENDING

1515 Locust Street # 301

2 BD | 2.5 BA | 1855 SF | $695,000

Germantown- PENDING!

54 E Penn Street

3 BD | 2.5 BA | 2452 SF | $545,000

University City

5040 Larchwood Avenue

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

Cobbs Creek

6200 Ellsworth Street

4 BD | 2 BA | 3015 SF | $495,000

Graduate Hospital

2639 Bainbridge Street

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

FOX CHASE

709 Chandler Street

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

Germantown - PENDING

48 E Penn Street

2 BD | 2.5 BA | 1982 SF | $425,000


Graduate Hospital

1704 Webster Street

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

BREWERYTOWN - PENDING

3026 Baltz Street

2 BD | 2 BA | 960 SF | $247,500

Cobbs Creek - BRAND 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 BIRDS!! GO PHILS!!

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

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