Around the Block: 6/16/2023

June 16, 2023 BY JEFF CITY BLOCK

From Smoke to Fire, open houses, 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, 6/16/23.

6/16/2023

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

Photo from Inquirer article: I-95 reconstruction after Philly bridge collapse: What we know and don’t know

From Smoke to Fire

Last week, the big story was the smoke that permeated our city. From fires that were about 650 miles away… in another country. That affected us for days and is still causing poor air quality in other areas of the US.

This week, the big story was the fatal truck fire that melted and collapsed a raised section of I-95, closing a portion of this major interstate superhighway that carries 160,000 cars a day. Not only is this section of 95 a major carrier of Philly commuters, but it is the primary artery along the Eastern seaboard, between Washington and NYC (and of course from Florida to Maine). Including shipping and distribution of food and other goods—both local and interstate. This is big. And the state and federal governments are treating it that way.

After the weekend collapse, the state secured federal emergency highway funds by Monday morning. And the repairs began immediately, with crews working 24 hours/ 7 days a week until the temporary roadway is in place and some traffic is moving again through this corridor.

Temporary roadway? Hmm, that is interesting. The plan is something like this:

Demolish the southbound lanes, which did not collapse but were deemed unstable. This work was completed on time yesterday.
Then starting yesterday, truck 2,000 tons of foamed glass aggregate from Delaware County to be used as fill to bring the surface roadway level up to the height of the interstate. The width of this temporary section will be six lanes, three in each direction.
Time is of the absolute essence in getting these temporary six lanes up and running and reopening the highway. To facilitate this, the Pennsylvania State Police will be leading the way for the trucks carrying the aggregate, ensuring they can start the fill work ASAP.
Pave the six lanes of glass aggregate.
Open these temporary lanes to vehicular traffic.
Once three lanes are moving in each direction, starting from the outside, start rebuilding the permanent raised bridge that was destroyed. The plan is to keep six lanes open during the entire process. The logistics are not easy to picture, so click here and see “How the I-95 bridge will be rebuilt” for an excellent Inquirer staff artist rendering of this entire process. It is really cool.
A timetable has not yet been set for how long it will take to open the six temporary lanes or to complete the entire job and have the permanent section reopened. The Washington Post reported that similar temporary roads have been built in a matter of weeks. Not sure if that applies here, but that would be amazing. And it does seem like within two years the permanent roadway will be completed, and everything will be back to normal (i.e., heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic every day and tons of Jawn Morgan signs).
“We’re not wasting a single second,” Governor Josh Shapiro said. It is really early in the process, but so far, so good. If only government could always be this efficient.

A fascinating part of this story is the glass aggregate that will be used to build up the temporary roadway. First, it is made from recycled glass, much of which would have ended up in a landfill if not for this use. Second, it can be reused over and over again. Once these temporary lanes are no longer needed, the product can be shipped somewhere else and used in a different roadway or for some other use where a lightweight, non-toxic fill is required. Third, as Governor Shapiro has proudly stated, this product is made in Pennsylvania. By a Delaware County-based company called Aero Aggregates of North America. Inquirer science writer Tom Avril explains How recycled glass bottles will be used to rebuild I-95. This is a compelling aspect of the story, and while it is too detailed to explain here, Tom’s piece delves into this fascinating foamed glass aggregate product from Delco.

A couple of public transportation positives that could come out of this are (1) a renewed look at the long-stalled but much-needed Roosevelt Boulevard Subway and (2) simply more usage of SEPTA overall, which would be a win for our city. Another huge positive is that the I-95 collapse and rebuild project will not affect or delay the 11.5-acre waterfront park being built over I-95 at Chestnut Street. This project will help remake the Delaware waterfront and is perhaps Philly’s most exciting improvement project.

Meanwhile, the traffic this week has been horrendous, which costs people time and money and harms the environment. Some businesses have been impacted and could ultimately go out of business. And of course, truck driver Nathan Moody tragically lost his life in this accident. So, while this has been a really rough week for our city, a combination of American ingenuity, efficient government action, and hard work will hopefully get us back on our feet (i.e., tires) as soon as possible.

I hope you have a great weekend. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. Also, this Monday is Juneteenth, so please check out all the events and celebrations we have listed below.

Warm regards,

Jeff

CBT Open Houses

Saturday, 6/17/23

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

4555 Riverside Way

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

New Price

435 S 46th Street

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

504 S Hancock Street

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

768 N 24th Street #2

Spotlight Property

MIDTOWN VILLAGE

105 S 12th Street #201

New Price

1,333 SF | 23′ Vaulted Brick Ceilings | Exposed Brick Walls |

Huge Arched Windows | Flexible and Open Floor Plan | $619,000

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) and 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-end kitchen with Carrera marble counter tops and eating bar, Pedini cabinetry and drawers, stainless steel Sub-Zero fridge, and 5-burner cooktop, oven, dishwasher and microwave. High-quality replacement windows with superb sound attenuation.

Flexible and open floor plan. And because of its size, you can readily create a second space on the main living floor. Whether a separate family room, office, or complete bedroom suite with full bath and walk-in-closet. You could add a wall (full or partial) or sliding/barn doors to create a fully delineated 2nd bedroom with a gigantic walk-in closet and tile and marble bath (both walk-in closet and bath have solid wood pocket doors for clean lines). Or use a screen or other furniture delineation to create any separate space you desire. And still enjoy a living and dining space larger than most condo residences. Just incredible space and numerous options. The residence also has a spacious walk-in coat and storage closet and Washer/Dryer.

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

Philly Fun This Week

Art Events, Block Parties, and More Weekend Fun

Enjoy a fabulous 21+ Pride Month event at the Franklin Institute this Friday evening. The Summer Ball is a part of the Institute’s Science After Hours programming and includes performances, dancing, music, rooftop stargazing, live talks, and all of the museum’s core exhibits and galleries. Guests are encouraged to come dressed their best and tickets include a complimentary limited-edition lapel pin.
Head to Warehouse on Watts just off Broad in the Poplar part of North Philly for an awesome block party on Saturday. This fun-filled event includes wonderful art, a “barrier-pool” by Hydrant Hooligans, tacos from 215, and more. And afterward, if you are over 21 stay for the indoor afterparty which features music from DJs Ash Lauryn and Eli Escobar. The afterparty is $10 per person and goes from 10 pm to 2 am.
Everything is more expensive these days except for DollaFEST at PhilaMOCA this Saturday. PhilaMOCA is a historic mausoleum showroom-turned-music-venue in Spring Garden and the event is organized by local comedy showcase Look Over Here. For only one buck, DollaFest offers guests short film screenings, comedy and DJ sets, and free pizza from Pizza Brain (while supplies last). Tickets are available at the door or online (online tickets include a small fee).
Enjoy a lovely garden party with delicious food hosted by North Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) this Saturday. This free event includes art and craft vendors, DJ sets, pay-as-you-go food from the James Beard Award-nominated Cantina La Martina, and free raffles from local businesses.
This Sunday head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a family-friendly Art Block Party. This free event features storytelling and screenprinting, hands-on activities with artist Lauren Cat West, and music from Snacktime and DJs Latchkey and Yolo Ono.
For a free community concert that honors inspirational Philadelphians head to the Mann on Sunday. The concert titled Voices of Hope: A Celebration of Black Excellence includes a lineup of musical performances curated by local artist Chill Moody.
Support Black makers this Sunday during the ROOTS Art Show at Pentridge Station in Cedar Park. This show is organized by West Philadelphia artist Shari Jones and has the fun vibes of a cocktail party that also includes art.

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

Juneteenth Happenings in Greater Philly

Celebrate Juneteenth outside of the city at Bucks County’s Washington Crossing Historic Park on Saturday. The event begins at the Visitors Center at 3:30 pm with a lecture on the experience of Black soldiers from African American Museum of Bucks County President Linda Salley and historian Noah Lewis. And at 5 pm enjoy short presentations from reenactors and a jazz concert from Joyce Simpson & The Quake Band. During the concert there will also be food vendors. The events are free, but lectures require registration.
Celebrate Juneteenth with wine and art at Cherry Street Pier on Saturday. This free festival created by the Women’s Coalition for Empowerment, Inc. features Black vendors, art, live music, and wine made by Black vintners (tasting tickets are $15).
This weekend and on Monday, the Museum of the American Revolution celebrates Juneteenth with historic reenactments, talks, and more. During the event vendors from Urban Creators will be on site teaching guests about food insecurity and selling produce and seeds commonly seen in the Revolutionary era. Also at the Museum’s discovery center visitors can explore recreated historical environments and participate in interactive activities such as creating historic caps similar to those worn by Indigenous and Black troops.
Head to West Philly on Sunday for one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the country! The Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival & Parade begins with a parade, floats, and performances from noon to 2 pm. Afterward, there will be games, a carnival, art and crafts, and more for kids at the Children’s Village. Meanwhile, enjoy live music from 3 to 7 pm. The festival lineup includes Lil Mo, DJ Cupid, and Fatman Scoop. Also throughout the entire day, you can shop from over 250 Black- and Brown-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, vendors, and nonprofits at a massive marketplace in Malcolm X Park. Some of the offerings include free food, artwork, yoga classes, and treats.
Eat and drink your heart out during the Juneteenth Cookout hosted by Mack Brewing Co. this Sunday. This awesome event includes tons of food and craft beer from three different Black-owned breweries. Additionally, there will be games such as dominoes and spades and a music trivia game with cash prizes. Advanced registration and tickets are required and the event’s secret location will be emailed to ticket holders the morning of.
As part of the 2023 Wawa Welcome America festival, The African American Museum in Philadelphia celebrates the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with the Liberation Rising: Juneteenth Block Party & Free Museum Day on Monday. This music-filled event includes a hip-hop tribute by the iconic DJ Spinderella (of Salt-N-Pepa fame), food trucks, outdoor entertainment, hands-on activities, giveaways, and a marketplace featuring Black-owned businesses. Plus with online registration, admission is free to the museum’s new Rising Sun: Artists in an Uncertain America exhibition.

Photograph & content courtesy of uwishunu.

Food Truck Fest and New Eateries to Try

Who doesn’t love some tasty food sold out of a truck? Well, this Saturday take a trip out of the city to Linvilla Orchards for its Food Truck Frenzy. The event includes 20 local food trucks offering both sweet and savory goods such as gelato, barbecue, bacon on a stick, and waffles. Additionally those 21 and over can visit the on-site beer garden for a refreshing drink. And for the kids, there are hayrides and train rides. (Advance tickets are strongly encouraged for the rides.)
Enjoy a weekday happy hour service from the new Latin American restaurant Bolo. This Rittenhouse Square restaurant offers up flavors from Puerto Rico and the happy hour service includes $6 wine pours, $2 off cocktails, $3 ceviche shooters, half-priced pinchos (skewered meats and vegetables), and selections from the rum bar’s fried food and snack menus. Catch these happy hour specials Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 pm.
Visit the Fishtown neighborhood to enjoy sustainable and locally sourced food and drink ingredients at the brand-new cocktail bar and restaurant, Post Haste. Some of the menu options include experimental, remixed, and classic cocktails and small plates such as the Post Ham Sammy ham sandwich and Philly beignets (topped with garlic-roasted broccoli, roast pork, and fondue).
What’s better than a sweet baked good with a rich cup of coffee? This ideal pairing is the star at the newly opened eatery Cake and Joe in Fishtown. This coffee and sweets shop originated in Pennsport and just opened its second location in Fishtown. It features high-quality Elixr Coffee and delicious single-serving cakes such as Matcha Light Cream Cake, the Mango Rare Cheesecake, and Passion Fruit Mousse.

Photograph & content courtesy of uwishunu.

Featured Listings

MANAYUNK

4555 Riverside Way

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY

4 BD | 3.5 BA | 3,190 SF | $1,050,000

COBBS CREEK

35 Property Portfolio in West Philly

35 Single-family Properties | $7,000,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

4721 Chester Avenue

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

MOUNT AIRY

7111 Germantown Avenue #403

3 BD | 2.5 BA | 1,775 SF | $795,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

435 S 46th Street

NEW PRICE

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY

5 BD | 2.5 BA | 2,721 SF | $699,000

WEST POWELTON

321 N 40th Street

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

FAIRMOUNT-ART MUSEUM

768 N 24th Street #2

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY

2 BD | 1 BA | 1,183 SF | $399,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

247-251 S 44th Street

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

MIDTOWN VILLAGE

105 S 12th Street #201

NEW PRICE

1 BD | 2 BA | 1,333 SF | $619,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

255 S 44th Street

4 Units | 2,000 SF | $550,000

MOUNT AIRY

7111 Germantown Avenue #102

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,670 SF | $525,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

632 S 51st Street

4 BD | 1.5 BA | 1,792 SF | $375,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

4616 Paschall Avenue

3 BD | 3 BA | 2,800 SF | $550,000

SOCIETY HILL

504 S Hancock Street

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY

2 BD | 1 BA | 1,100 SF | $345,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

1333 S May Street

NEW LISTING

3 BD | 1 BA | 1,096 SF | $250,000

WEST MOUNT AIRY

153 W Weaver Street

4 BD | 1.5 BA | 1,240 SF | $289,000

FAIRMOUNT-ART MUSEUM

768 N 24th Street #1

2 BD | 1.5 BA | 1,169 SF | $509,000

WEST KENSINGTON

2545 N 6th Street

NEW PRICE

3 BD | 1 BA | 1,305 SF | $195,000

Experienced real estate agent?

Would you consider joining one of the most respected real estate teams in Philadelphia?

The City Block Team is looking for an experienced agent who wants to provide Expert Real Estate Representation. CBT is committed to helping you build your business and offers excellent coaching and mentoring; solid systems & admin support; leads (quality over quantity); superb team camaraderie; and outstanding team name recognition and regard.

Please contact [email protected] to discuss. All inquiries are confidential. Thank you.

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.

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From Smoke to Fire

CBT Open Houses

Spotlight Property

105 S 12th Street #201

Philly Fun This Week

Featured Listings

Moving? Discover the value of your home.