Around The Block: 9/22/23

September 26, 2023 BY JEFF CITY BLOCK

A Tragic Loss for Our City, Open Houses, Featured 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, 9/22/23.

9/22/23

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

photo courtesy of NBC10

A Tragic Loss for Our City

Hello,

For those who are aware of the positive impact that JoAnne Epps has made over her career, it goes without saying that her sudden death earlier this week is not only a loss for her family and for Temple University– but for our entire city.

President Epps was a professor at Temple Law when I was there from 1990-1993. I did not have Professor Epps for any of my classes, and I did not know her personally, but her stellar character was well known then. Her reputation for leadership, service, ethics, and integrity have continued to grow over the ensuing decades.

Over her 47-year career, President Epps spent about 10 years as a Deputy City Attorney and then an Assistant US Attorney. What followed was an almost four-decade-long career at the institution she loved so much and gave everything to—Temple University. Law Professor, Associate Dean, and then the Dean of Temple University Beasley School of Law from 2008-2016. She then as Provost of the University from 2016 until 2022. In April of 2023, as Provost Epps was getting set to retire, the Board of Trustees asked her if she would step in and serve as Acting President of the University. Always ready to serve and lead, she put off her retirement and accepted.

JoAnne Epps’s appointment as acting president came after the resignation of the previous Temple University President, Jason Wingard. His tenure was marked by controversy and tumult, and he resigned just as the University Board increased its oversight and the faculty were planning a no-confidence vote.

So, in a time of crisis, President Epps agreed to forgo retirement and step into the role of acting president. In a short time, she deftly calmed the waters and increased confidence in university leadership. “She had an amazing ability to be the calming force in troubled waters and pulled everyone together,” said Temple COO Ken Kaiser.

Just last week, Temple University received its highest-ever ranking in the US News and World Reports college rankings. Professor Epps said, “We’re really gratified, thrilled. It is thrilling because it’s not something we pursued. It is gratifying because it really reflects U.S. News’ change in methodology that emphasizes and rewards what Temple has been devoted to for years.”

Leading Temple University and its Law School is far from all that Professor Epps accomplished. Her accomplishments are way too many to mention. Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton noted that Epps did so much to champion “woman and people of color in the legal profession and [to inspire] a generation of leaders.” She won a multitude of awards and honors and served on many boards and commissions.

Joanne Epps will always be remembered for the significant contributions she brought to Temple University over the past four decades. She has been invaluable in ensuring that Temple has become the strong, quality institution that it is today. Many of us in Philadelphia are Temple Made. Well, JoAnne Epps helped to make Temple.

Beyond Temple, Professor Epps’s death is a loss for Philadelphia and beyond. Governor Josh Shapiro ordered all Commonwealth of Pennsylvania flags to fly at half mast, as he noted that “Losing her is heartbreaking for Philadelphia.”

JoAnne Epps was such a special person. It is worth reading her obituary here.

Rest in peace, JoAnne Epps. Condolences to your husband and loved ones.

Warm regards,

Jeff Block

Spotlight Property

University City

5028 Osage Avenue

4 BD | 2 BA | 2727 SF | $575,000

Gem alert! This amazing 4 bedroom, 2 bath porch front twin home is the one you’ve been looking for. Enjoy modern amenities alongside old-world craftsmanship, plus low maintenance front and backyard gardens with an array of well-established native plantings and a cherry blossom tree.

A full front porch and lots of natural light welcome you as you enter the bright and airy living room featuring a decorative fireplace, vestibule, bay window, and multiple stained glass windows. Original hardwood floors with beautiful walnut inlay flow past the pocket doors and into a spacious dining room, perfect for enjoying time with family and friends. Past the dining room is the renovated eat-in chef’s kitchen with granite countertops, island, stainless steel appliances, and pantry. Beyond the pantry is access to the covered patio with storage nook, and the lush backyard with summertime blooms. A full bathroom and smartly placed closet complete this level. Upstairs has 4 bedrooms and a full bathroom all with great space, storage, original details, ceiling fans, and lots of natural light.The semi-finished basement features a new staircase, laundry, additional storage, and ample ceiling height making it ideal for finishing if more living space is ever needed. Additional home highlights include CENTRAL AIR, programmable thermostat, newer roof, updated electric and plumbing, great storage throughout, rain barrel, side alley iron gate, and a 20 x 115 lot size.

Located on a tree-lined, low traffic block and all within an easy walk to numerous parks, restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, the University City Swim Club, Mariposa Food Co-op, Cobbs Creek Nature Center with its lovely trails and meadows, Laura Sims Skatehouse, tennis courts, and so much more. Plus, near HUP, CHOP, Penn, Drexel, St. Joseph’s, and easy commute to Center City by car or bike with plenty of convenient trolley and bus options. Welcome Home!

View full listing here

Featured Listings

University City

4721 Chester Avenue

6 BD | 4 BA | 6623 SF | $1,300,000

University City

4420 Chestnut Street

6 BD | 5 BA | 3600 SF | $995,000

Hawthorne

1307 Kater Street

3 BD | 3 BA | 2638 SF | $995,000

Mount Airy

7111 Germantown Ave #403

3 BD | 3 BA | 1775 SF | $795,000

Midtown Village

105 South 12th Street #201

1 BD | 2 BA | 1333 SF | $595,000

University City

5028 Osage Avenue

4 BD | 2 BA | 2727 SF | $575,000

Penn Knox/Germantown

154 West Price Street

4 BD | 4 BA | 2400 SF | $750,000

BRAND NEW LISTING

University City

4441 Spruce Street

7 BD | 3 BA | 3060 SF | $719,000

University City

415 South 47th Street

5 BD | 4 BA | 4160 SF | 1,650,000

University City

247-251 South 44th Street

3 Contiguous Properties

Zoned for 11 Units | 6726 SF

1,525,000

Northern Liberties

904 New Market Street

3 BD | 3 BA | 2025 SF | $625,000

University City

520-22 North 32nd Street

5 BD | 2 BA | 1491 SF | $599,000

Mount Airy

7111 Germantown Ave #102

3 BD | 2 BA | 1670 SF | $525,000

East Kensington

2036 East Firth Street

4 BD | 3 BA | 2400 SF | $450,000

Southwest Schuylkill

4616 Paschall Avenue

3 BD | 3 BA | 2800 SF | $575,000

Cobbs Creek

2-property Package

7 BD | 3 BA | 2222 SF | $475,000

Southwest Schuylkill

1333 South May Street

3 BD | 1 BA | 1096 SF | $250,000

Cobbs Creek

5810 Rodman Street

3 BD | 2 BA | 990 SF | $225,000

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.

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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A Tragic Loss for Our City

Spotlight Property

5028 Osage Avenue

Featured Listings

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