Around the Block: 6/23/2023

June 26, 2023 BY JEFF CITY BLOCK

I-95 Re-opens! 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, 6/23/23.

6/23/2023

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

Photo Courtesy of Lauren Mayk, NBC10 reporter.

Philly Sports Mascots Re-open I-95 This Morning

Hey everyone,

Summer officially began this week…and I forgot my sweater.

This week is an update on my last two ATBs.

With respect to I-95, last week I wrote, “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.” The day after I wrote my piece, Governor Josh Shapiro stated that he believed the temporary lanes would be open within two weeks.

Well, guess what? They cut that two-week goal in half! The six temporary lanes actually opened to traffic this morning, with the Philadelphia Fire Department and sport teams’ mascots leading the way! The highest kudos to Governor Shapiro, the Philly-based contractor Buckley & Co., and everyone else who cut through the red tape and got this done. A lot of Philadelphians and interstate motorists were depending on this. And everyday mattered. This shows what government leaders can accomplish when they put politics aside and just get things done. Would love to see more of that, whether in Congress, Harrisburg, or City Hall.

Then two weeks ago, I wrote about French Philadelphia. I got more responses and positive feedback on this piece than on almost any other I have written. That was awesome because the French Connection article was really fun to write. One of the coolest things is that I received an email from Lynn Miller, who along with Therese Dolan, wrote the preeminent book on French Philadelphia, Salut! France Meets Philadelphia: The French presence in Philadelphia’s history, culture, and art, Temple University Press, 2020.

In his email, Dr Miller said “In [Salut], we explore all the French connections to this city from its founding by William Penn to the present. They are many and varied, ranging far beyond the French-influence architecture in the city. I think you’d enjoy reading it if you haven’t.”

This richly informative book concludes with:

“In the spirit of Earnest Hemingway’s claim that Paris is a moveable feast, our book has attempted to focus on a selection of the relay of influences and interactions that have resulted from the contacts between Philadelphia and French culture. Social, political, economic, and aesthetic ties have linked Philadelphia and France from its earliest days and continue to do so to the present moment. Without doubt, further chapters of this continuing relationship will reveal themselves as the feast moves into the future.”

Salut!, p.329

On a separate note, Fairmount Park has always fascinated me, so next, I may check out the book Lynn Miller co-authored in 2015, City in a Park: A History of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park System. I just love stuff about Philly! What a history.

This has been an exciting week, and I hope you have a great weekend!

Warm regards,

Jeff

Spotlight Property

FAIRMOUNT-ART MUSEUM

768 N 24th Street #2

2 BD | 1 BA | 1,183 SF | Awesome Layout | Hardwood Floors | Cathedral Ceilings | $399,000

Spacious & Renovated 2 bedroom condominium residence with hardwood floors and cathedral ceilings. Beautiful finishes and awesome layout.

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!

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.

View full listing here

Philly Fun This Week

Movie Screenings and Live Entertainment

Fairmount Park Conservancy, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and Park Friends Groups have joined together to host outdoor movie screening nights in various parks throughout the city. One of these movie nights is a screening of The Super Mario Bros. Movie at 3rd & Norris Playground this Friday evening.
For another outdoor movie screening head to Sunset Social at West Philly’s awesome rooftop park Cira Green this Saturday night to see the Disney’s Brave. Besides the screening enjoy tasty goods including burgers, ice cream, beer, and bottled cocktails as well as stunning city views.
Get ready to play detective during an interactive murder mystery theater show at 601 Walnut St. The show is set during the Bohemian Revolution in Paris and follows the story of Mademoiselle and Monsieur Ennui who are trying their hardest to keep their nightclub, Moulin Bleu, in business. The Moulin Rouge down the street is taking their customers and when they come up with a plan, the consequences could be deadly. Get your tickets for Murder at the Moulin: A Murder Mystery Show to join in on the fun and look out for additional upcoming shows.

Photograph from visitphilly.com & content courtesy of smithplayground.org, feverup.com/en/philadelphia, visitphilly.com.

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

Gaze at dozens of incredible glowing installations during the annual Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square. The festival runs through August 13th and celebrates the Year of the Rabbit with international food and drink (including the return of the Dragon Beer Garden), festival-themed crafts by Chinese artisans, live stage performances, and of course, the many light installations, some which are brand new.

Photograph & content courtesy of visitphilly.com.

Ongoing Attractions, City Tours, and More

Head to Dilworth Park in Center City this Saturday for the weekly Philadelphia Marketplace. The marketplace includes home goods, handmade artwork, skincare, and more from a revolving list of Philly-area entrepreneurs. It’s an awesome way to find a one-of-a-kind item while also supporting local makers. For more information or to sign up as a vendor visit madeinphila.com.
This Sunday a brand-new exhibition featuring sculptor William Edmondson’s works opened at The Barnes. The exhibition includes over 60 of Edmondson’s most memorable works that range from garden ornaments and gravestones to more metaphorical carvings like angels, people, and animals. Edmonson was the first Black American artist to have a solo exhibition at New York’s Museum of Modern Art in 1937, and this exhibition at The Barnes delves into how his work relates to Black culture. Part of the exhibition is a performance, choreographed by Chicago-based artist Brendan Fernandes.
Learn a little more about the history of our city during the brand-new Official Historic Philadelphia Walking Tour at Philly’s Historic District. These 45-minute tours are led by a rotating cast of costumed history makers playing one of three real-life Philadelphians: James Forten, an abolitionist and free Black man who was present at the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence; Founder of Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Richard Allen; and colonial brewer, Trooper Robert Hare credited as the first person to brew porter in the US. Tours depart at 11 am and 2 pm from the Independence Visitor Center each Saturday and make stops outside of the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, The President’s House, Congress Hall, and Franklin Court. These tours are available through September 2nd.
For more history join one of the daily Twilight Tours hosted by Independence National Historical Trust. During these one-hour tours, participants will learn more about our nation’s founding as they walk along the cobblestone paths of the Historic District. Tours depart from the Commodore Barry Statue behind Independence Hall at 6 pm and are led by knowledgeable guides from the Independence National Historical Trust. These tours run each night through Labor Day, so there are plenty of opportunities to catch one this summer.
Celebrate Pride Month by learning more about queer history during the Philly Gayborhood and LGBTQ History Tours. These tours created by Beyond the Bell Tours delve into the paradoxes, controversies, and hidden histories of the community. The tour also teaches participants about the work of activists such as Barbara Gittings, Kiyoshi Kuromiya, and Gloria Casarez; the nation’s longest continually operating LGBTQ+ bookstore; and the history of Pride itself. Tours are offered on select dates throughout the year.
If you aren’t already aware, on Wednesday nights throughout this summer Philadelphians can enjoy happy hour deals during Center City District SIPS. This weekly program features deals from Center City bars and restaurants throughout the summer including $5 beer, $7 cocktails, $6 wine, and half-priced apps. Some of the participating establishments include the Air Grille Garden at Dilworth Park and Double Knot. A new addition to the program this year is SIPS Style, where various Center City retailers offer Wednesday discounts on merchandise and services.

Photograph & content courtesy of centercityphila.org and visitphilly.com.

Featured Listings

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

MANAYUNK

4555 Riverside Way

NEW PRICE

4 BD | 3.5 BA | 3,190 SF | $1,025,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

435 S 46th Street

NEW PRICE

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

MOUNT AIRY

7111 Germantown Avenue #403

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

UNIVERSITY CITY

247-251 S 44th Street

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

FAIRMOUNT-ART MUSEUM

768 N 24th Street #1

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

WEST POWELTON

321 N 40th Street

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

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

FAIRMOUNT-ART MUSEUM

768 N 24th Street #2

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

MOUNT AIRY

7111 Germantown Avenue #102

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

UNIVERSITY CITY

4616 Paschall Avenue

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

WEST MOUNT AIRY

153 W Weaver Street

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

UNIVERSITY CITY

632 S 51st Street

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

SOCIETY HILL

504 S Hancock Street

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

UNIVERSITY CITY

1333 S May Street

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

WEST KENSINGTON

2545 N 6th Street

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

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 visitphilly.com 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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Philly Sports Mascots Re-open I-95 This Morning

Spotlight Property

768 N 24th Street #2

Philly Fun This Week

Featured Listings

Moving? Discover the value of your home.