September 21, 2023 BY JEFF CITY BLOCK

Do you want to rappel a 30-story office tower? Open Houses, Featured Listings, and Weekend Happenings.

If you’d like to discuss real estate or anything in this newsletter, please email me: [email protected].

This edition of Around the Block was originally published on Friday, 9/15/23

9/15/23

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

Photo Courtesy of Brandywine Realty Trust

Any interest in rappelling a 30-story office tower?

Hi everyone,

I want to discuss two items today—rappelling down the side of the 30-story Two Commerce office tower and the Philadelphia Outward Bound School.

Would you consider rappelling the side of this high-rise office tower? If so, keep reading, and you will have your chance below. If not, keep reading just to understand what the heck I am talking about!

Photo Courtesy of Brandywine Realty Trust

Note that if you do want to rappel down this building, “anyone can take part – no experience needed! Physical and technical training not necessary.” The rappelling event, aptly named the Building Adventure, is on October 20, 2023.

The City Block Team sponsors many events and gives to scores of Philly-based schools and charitable organizations throughout each year. To me, the Philadelphia Outward Bound School stands out as one of the most important organizations I hold dear to my heart. POBS has had a profound impact on the lives of thousands of Philadelphia teenagers.

And if you are familiar with the Philadelphia Outward Bound School, it probably will not surprise you that POBS is connected to this adventure somehow.

“Over the past 30 years, POBS has delivered Outward Bound’s Educational Framework to over 75,000 students in outdoor “classrooms” at [their] locations in Philadelphia, along the Appalachian Trail, and across the Delaware River watershed. In 2022, POBS served over 8,500 students, more than any year before. While the heart of [their] audience remains young people who attend School District of Philadelphia middle and high schools, POBS is proud to serve a wide range of educational and nonprofit partners.” outwardboundphiladelphia.org/about/our-story/

Outward Bound offers many programs to teach skills and instill confidence in middle school and high school aged children, including their original Classic Expeditions. “These expeditions are based in the outdoors and teach students technical skills like navigation, camp craft, the basics of backpacking or rock climbing, and much more. As students learn these skills in challenging situations, they also learn the value of teamwork, compassion for others, and the pursuit of excellence.” outwardboundphiladelphia.org/programs/

Outward Bound learning expeditions are based on three main principles, four pillars, and three specific outcomes. They are:

Design Principles

Learning through experience
Challenge and Adventure
Supportive Environment

Four Pillars

Physical Fitness
Craftsmanship
Self-Reliance
Compassion

Outcomes

Character
Leadership
Service

You can read more about all of these values here.

The bottom line is that POBS puts its money where its mouth is. It raises money, and it delivers specific and meaningful programs to thousands of Philadelphia middle school and high school-aged children. The course locations include the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the Appalachian Trail, as well as the spectacular Discovery Center’s Challenge Course and the POBS Wissahickon Valley Park High Ropes Course. The Discovery Center has a wonderful story of its own—a most successful partnership of POBS and the National Audubon Society.

POBS is all about action, so it makes sense that when it comes to raising money for their essential programs, the Building Adventure is their biggest fundraiser. The event is held every two years and “allows fundraisers to engage in a high-adrenaline rappel from the heights of an iconic Philadelphia skyscraper and become part of a community of fearless supporters that go ‘over the edge’ for Outward Bound.”

The City Block Team is an Expedition Sponsor at this year’s event on October 20th, and as such, has two rappelling spots. One spot is going to fearless City Block Team Operations Manager and Transaction Coordinator Shelby Pihl. The second spot is reserved for a daring ATB reader who is up for this 30-story experience.

If you want the chance to rappel, no donation is necessary. You will have one of City Block Team’s rappelling slots. Please just reply to this email with your name and why you want to rappel down a 30-story building. I have no idea how many people may want to rappel this high-rise tower, but if there is more than one, we will then have a drawing to pick the person to join our rappelling crew.

Also, participation is not dependent on rappelling! You can donate to the Philadelphia Outward Bound School on our Building Adventure sponsorship page. Any donation will be appreciated for this great cause. For example, $25 will feed an entire expedition of 10 students for a day!

So, there you have it. Rappelling down the side of the 30-story Two Commerce office tower and the Philadelphia Outward Bound School go hand-in-hand.

Finally, a few totally unrelated matters for this week.

First, a correction to last week’s ATB newsletter regarding Philly property tax appeals. I inadvertently stated that the tax appeal deadline was October 2, 2024, when, in fact, it is actually October 2, 2023. Still a couple weeks out and plenty of time to appeal through Incenter. Please review that newsletter and let me know if you want Incenter to determine whether you will likely be able to lower your tax assessment upon appeal. Several ATB readers replied since last week, and Incenter believes it can save them $1,000s.

Second, this chrysalis is outside of our home. Just fascinating.

Finally, the Eagles are 2-0 as expected! Go Birds!

Thank you for reading, and have a great weekend!

Best regards,

Jeff

Office: 267-435-8015

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.

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

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Around the Block: 9/15/23

9/15/23

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

Any interest in rappelling a 30-story office tower?

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