Around the Block: 5/14/2021

May 17, 2021 BY JEFF CITY BLOCK

Philly is opening up, new listings, and fun things to do this week. What do you think about Philly reducing restrictions and the CDC’s recent announcement? I’d love to discuss. Please send me an email: [email protected]. This edition of Around the Block was originally published on Saturday, 5/15/21.

5/14/2021

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

Opening Up…

Ok, do you know what sucks? The Philly traffic. Tons of people out and about combined with a seemingly endless number of street closings and construction. It almost seems like, well, my entire life up until March 2020. Yes, the one positive of the pandemic. No traffic. But alas, when there is no traffic because there is nowhere to go, that is not so great. Which leads us to this past week and…

Do you know what is awesome? Makes me smile? Appreciate the “new” normal? This:

Philly is opening up. A few highlights include—
- On May 21st, Philly will reduce restrictions on restaurants, sporting events, and other events and completely remove limits on offices, retail stores, museums, libraries, etc.
- On June 11th, all restrictions will be removed. Hard to imagine but does that mean we are now permitted to do anything and everything? Not saying I want to, by the way. I will ease back into things. I mean I am fully vaccinated and all, and I look forward to things opening up, but this is going to take some getting used to, right?
- I am pleased to announce that the City Block Team will have its first official team dinner since 2019 this coming Thursday. Outside tables at Xochitl on Head House Square. I can’t wait! (This is a day before the reduced restrictions, so they have to break us up into a few tables. No big deal.)
- While it actually feels odd walking around town without the mask, I love it. And I see more and more people following this recent CDC guideline every day. More on Thursday’s huge CDC announcement below.
- What I would really like to see is more people get vaccinated. Can you imagine our world if about 40% of the country refused the polio or other vaccines?

Surprise CDC Announcement
- On Thursday, the CDC stated that fully vaccinated people do not have to wear masks or social distance. Indoors or out. WOW!!!
- The CDC cited three studies (one from Israel and two from the United States) that show vaccines work and that this is safe.
- Though note that the vaccine is not 100%, and the CDC did throw out a few caveats. Most importantly that this virus has shown itself to be unpredictable, and things could change. This is why we have a “new” normal.
- For unvaccinated people, the CDC said that they remain at risk of getting sick from the COVID-19 and spreading it to others so they should still mask up AND get vaccinated. To protect themselves and others.
- The mask mandate remains for travel (e.g., trains, planes, buses, and public transportation).
- The CDC notes that some people are more risk-averse and may still choose to wear a mask even though it’s not required. In certain circumstances, I still will. That is for sure. One pertinent example is that I will still wear a mask with clients and when showing homes. That will remain my default. If everyone is vaccinated and my clients feel comfortable, we shall see. But I will still generally mask up when with clients and walking through people’s homes.
- And most businesses still require masks indoors at this time. For now, I would still be uncomfortable walking through a supermarket, for example, mask-free. Again, the “new” normal, and everyone should find their own comfort zone, so long as they are not putting other people at risk.
- PA has joined the fun. Shortly after Thursday’s CDC announcement, the PA Dept of Health announced that PA would follow the CDC’s lead and lift its overall mask mandate for fully vaccinated people. Mask requirements do remain for certain specific settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and public transportation.
- The City of Philadelphia has not yet announced whether it will follow the CDC’s and PA’s guidance at this time.

This is all amazing news and a time for cautious optimism. But remember, this is the “new” normal and absolutely not time to throw caution to the wind. So, enjoy but still stay safe.

And on balance, I will take the traffic and just leave a little bit earlier. Have a great week.

Warmly,

Jeff

Spotlight Property

1919 Montrose Street

BRAND NEW LISTING

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,550 SF | Finished Lower Level | Roof Deck | $495,000

Warm, Spacious, Bright, and Wide south-facing 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with a finished lower level(family room and office). Roof deck with gorgeous panoramic views.

This 2007 renovation was just fully updated in 2021 and is in beautiful condition. 1,550 sq.ft. (1,250 sq. ft + 300 sq.ft. finished lower level).

This home offers a superb location on a quiet tree-lined Graduate neighborhood block.

View full listing here

(Safe) Philly Fun This Week

Center City District Restaurant Week Returns

Support local businesses May 17 through 28th during the return of Center City District Restaurant Week. Diners can enjoy multi-course prix fixe lunches for $20 and dinners for $35 from participating restaurants. Restaurants are offering both indoor and outdoor dining, as well as takeout.

Check out the list of participating restaurants here.

Make a reservation through OpenTable here.

Photograph & content courtesy of centercityphila.org.

UCHS Spring Garden Tour

This year University City Historical Society will showcase the gorgeous private garden spaces and spectacular architecture of Powelton Village.

Take a self guided walking tour on

Saturday, May 22, from

10:00 am – 2:00 pm to view the private outdoor spaces of more than 15 distinctive homes.

Enjoy some of Philly’s most impressive array of Victorian architecture.

Proceeds benefit UCHS and preservation initiatives in West Philly.

Photograph & content courtesy of uchs.wildapricot.org.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Philly

Philly joins the country in recognizing the contributions of its Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in May for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Here are some of the ways you can support Philly’s diverse neighborhoods, small business owners, and those most affected by the pandemic:

Check out any of these 25 incredible Chinatown restaurants and support the community while enjoying a delicious meal.
Try authentic and unique food from Japanese, Indonesian, Vietnamese, and other cultures at Asian-owned restaurants around Philly.
Explore the hidden treasures of Chinatown during a Summer edition of the Chinatown scavenger hunt starting at Franklin Square (May 10 – July 3).

Photograph & content courtesy of uwishunu.com.

Kayak Excursions from the Independence Seaport Museum

Enjoy the warmer weather by getting out on the water with a kayak excursion from the Independence Seaport Museum.

The experiences began on Sunday and are great for those new to kayaking.

Masks and life jackets are required at all times. Find more safety information here.

Photograph & content courtesy of uwishunu.com.

Featured Listings

257-259 S 46th Street University City $1,600,000	7111 Germantown Avenue Mount Airy New Construction $395,000 – $1,050,000
430 S 47th Street University City 6 Bed \| 2 Bath $725,000	1601 Mt Vernon Street Spring Garden $600,000
251 S Farragut Street University City 5 Bed \| 3 Bath $595,000	250 S 17th Street, Unit 100 Rittenhouse Square 2 Bed \| 2 Bath $579,000
437 W Abbottsford Avenue Germantown Southwest 3 Bed \| 2.5 Bath $525,000	1919 Montrose Street BRAND NEW LISTING Graduate Hospital 3 Bed \| 2 Bath $495,000
1721 Rodman Street Rittenhouse Square 2 Bed \| 1.5 Bath $485,000	4617 Pine Street, Unit H210 University City 4 Bed \| 2.5 Bath $425,000
4517 Springfield Avenue University City 5 Bed \| 2.5 Bath $419,500	1600 S Beulah Street East Passyunk Crossing $409,000
4300 Spruce Street, Unit C306 BRAND NEW LISTING University City 2 Bed \| 2 Bath $399,000	1810 Rittenhouse Square, Unit 503 Rittenhouse Square Studio \| 1 Bath $215,000

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 Visit Philly, UWISHUNU Philadelphia, centercityphila.org, uchs.wildapricot.org, and Canva.

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