Around the Block: 4/14/2023

April 17, 2023 BY JEFF CITY BLOCK

The Philly White House, 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, 4/14/23.

4/14/2023

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

The Philly White House

Hey everyone,

Last week I wrote about the Roundhouse—a building that every Philadelphian knows. The Roundhouse was the Police Administration Building for about 60 years until the PPD moved out just last year. They are now located in the old Inquirer Building while the Roundhouse is destined for some future use… condos? apartments? community center, retail, museum, some combination? Who knows.

The new Philly police HQ is located at Broad & Callowhill. Here’s a quick story about that old building. When I was a little kid in Center City Philadelphia, right around the time of Watergate, I always heard my parents (and probably the evening news) mention the White House. Now I was about six, a 1st grader at Friends Select, and I saw this building looming above the skyline not far from my school. I had a very Philly-centric view of the world back then (some things do not change!!), and I just readily assumed that this majestic building was the White House.

Photo from Curbed Philadelphia article: Philly police to move into old Inquirer building on North Broad

I mean who wouldn’t right? Well anyway, I remember how shocked I was to find out that the actual White House was in a totally different city. Not sure how old I was when I learned what was up, but looking back, does the old Inquirer building really resemble a house in any way? I just knew the White House was a real important building, that’s all, and when I found out it wasn’t in Philly, I was initially disappointed.

But that was okay. I got over it. Because I knew then what I still know today. Real White House or not, Philly is the city that has it going on. The OG American capital and the only place I would want to live.

I hope you have a great weekend.

Warm regards,

Jeff

4632 Larchwood Avenue Featured in Philly Mag

Check out this fascinating article from Philly Mag writer Sandy Smith, which features my listing 4632 Larchwood Avenue. Sandy delves into the architectural style of the home and all of its unique details.

Spotlight Properties

MIDTOWN VILLAGE

105 S 12th Street #201

Brand New Listing

1 BD | 2 BA | 1,333 SF | 23′ Vaulted Brick Ceilings |

Exposed Brick Walls | Huge Arched Windows |

Flexible and Open Floor Plan | $675,000

Exceptional residence in the heart of Midtown Village. Live in this most sensational loft in a remarkably prime location. 23′ vaulted brick ceilings, exposed brick walls that surround six huge double-hung arched windows. Exposed ducts and beams. Big open living space, dining area, open kitchen.

Currently configured as a 1 bedroom, 2 full bath with an immense living space (could be configured as a two bedroom). Straight steps to a very spacious primary loft suite with high brick ceilings, primary bathroom, and large walk-in-closet. Hardwood floors, solid core doors, and fine finishes throughout. High-quality replacement windows with superb sound attenuation.

Midtown Village is already one of Philly’s best neighborhoods–not just ordinary places to walk, but the City’s very best restaurants, coffee shops, and retail. And the neighborhood is transforming into a very desirable, high-end residential village with so many new restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, high-end residential. All within 1-2 blocks. The White Building is a professionally managed, well-run building with a bike room and a small fitness center. PARKING within half block. Pet Friendly! 100 WalkScore.

View full listing here

FAIRMOUNT-ART MUSEUM

768 N 24th Street #1

Brand New Listing

2 BD | 1.5 BA | 1,169 SF | Big, Sunny Patio | Attached Garage Parking | $535,000

Spacious & Renovated 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath condominium residence with attached GARAGE PARKING and a big, sunny patio. Beautifully finished!

Condos are prevalent in Francisville and Brewerytown, but it is very rare to find this style of home in one of the absolute best locations in the heart of Fairmount! And with Parking and Outdoor space to boot!

Superb space and light and an A+ location in one of Philadelphia’s most desirable neighborhoods—close to so many great restaurants and museums, shopping, Fairmount Park and the Schuylkill River Trail, and everything that Philly has to offer.

Unit #2 also available at $435,000.

View full listing here

Philly Fun This Week

Beer Garden & Bar Openings

Head to Philadelphia’s Historic District right across the street from the Liberty Bell to enjoy tasty food and local pours at the Independence Beer Garden. This beer garden just opened last Wednesday and is a great place to unwind and enjoy a pint.
Last Wednesday was also the opening of Parks on Tap. This traveling beer garden’s first stop is at the Azalea Garden in East Fairmount Park right between the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Boathouse Row. The pop-up beer garden features sandwiches, finger foods, cocktails, and draft beers from Mainstay Independent Brewing. Plus, guests will enjoy a gorgeous garden with over 150 species of azaleas and rhododendrons, tulips, daffodils, and more. Keep an eye out to see what other locations Parks on Tap heads to throughout the season. Perhaps it will land in your neighborhood.
Last Thursday the massive outdoor food and drink hub, Liberty Point, is back for its second season at Penn’s Landing. This awesome spot has spectacular views of the Delaware River and Ben Franklin Bridge and a menu that includes shareable appetizers, sandwiches, seafood platters, fresh and frozen cocktails, beer, and more.
For incredible views, delicious food, and refreshing drinks, head to the Bok Bar in South Philly. This awesome spot is located on the roof of the Bok Building which was a vocational school that was transformed into a hub for artists. Each month the bar features a new food partner and April’s vendor is Porco’s Porchetteria, which offers “meaty-balls sandwiches,” porchetta sandwiches, and snack platters. In addition to the food, the bar also hosts many special ticketed events throughout the season such as sunset yoga sessions, drag shows, and salsa nights.

Photograph & content courtesy of uwishunu.

Opening Attractions

For a blast to the past head to Elfreth’s Alley and check out the beautifully preserved rowhomes with 300 years of history. The street is open to the public at all times, but starting this Friday the two houses which have been converted into a museum are open for the season. And to enhance the experience, also check out The Alley Cast podcast which tells the stories of the people who once lived and worked in these historic homes.
Head to Chinatown’s community arts center, Asian Arts Initiative, on Friday for the opening of two brand-new exhibitions. One of the exhibitions titled, The Body You Want, is a mixed media work created by six Asian and Asian American artists who look to celebrate a broader range of gender expression and move beyond society’s conventional gender identities. It’s open on select dates until August 5th. The other exhibition titled, The Erotic Project, began with artist Aubrié Costello during quarantine in 2020 and has grown into a collaboration of over 40 artists from Philadelphia, Portland, and Los Angeles. The multimedia project features portrait vignettes that explore eroticism in expected and unexpected forms. This exhibition is open on select dates through July 8th and visitors must register in advance.
On Friday the Independence Seaport Museum opened its new exhibition At the Water’s Edge: Working and Living Along the Delaware River. The exhibition features curated artifacts and artwork that showcase all the different types of people who lived on the riverfront for generations including indigenous peoples, ironworkers, sailors, and immigrants. The exhibition runs through May 2025.

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

Featured Listings

MIDTOWN VILLAGE

105 S 12th Street #201

BRAND NEW LISTING

1 BD | 2 BA | 1,333 SF | $675,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

4721 Chester Avenue

BRAND NEW LISTING

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

FAIRMOUNT-ART MUSEUM

768 N 24th Street #1

BRAND NEW LISTING

2 BD | 1.5 BA | 1,169 SF | $535,000

FAIRMOUNT-ART MUSEUM

768 N 24th Street #2

BRAND NEW LISTING

2 BD | 1 BA | 1,183 SF | $435,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

245-249 S 44th Street

BRAND NEW LISTING

3 Contiguous Properties | 6,726 SF | 1,525,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

249 S 44th Street

BRAND NEW LISTING

4 Units | 2,242 SF | $525,000

MOUNT AIRY

7111 Germantown Avenue #403

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

NORTHERN LIBERTIES

223 W George Street

COMING SOON

4 BD | 3 BA | 3,200 SF | $975,000

WEST POWELTON

321 N 40th Street

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

UNIVERSITY CITY

4632 Larchwood Avenue

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

UNIVERSITY CITY

435 S 46th Street

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

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 | $579,000

MOUNT AIRY

7111 Germantown Avenue #102

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

FAIRMOUNT-ART MUSEUM

2442 Perot Street

NEW LISTING

2 BD | 2 BA | 1,050 SF | $495,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

632 S 51st Street

NEW PRICE

4 BD | 1.5 BA | 1,792 SF | $399,000

RITTENHOUSE SQUARE

224 W Rittenhouse Square #1603

NEW LISTING

Studio | 583 SF | $245,000

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, asianartsinitiative.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.

The Philly White House

Spotlight Properties

105 S 12th Street #201

768 N 24th Street #1

Philly Fun This Week

Featured Listings

Moving? Discover the value of your home.