Sumer Is Over – Welcome Back, Witty takes, can’t-miss Philly updates, insider info, and curated listings – by Jeff “City” Block
9/5/25 Witty takes, can't-miss Philly updates, insider info, and curated listings - by Jeff "City" Block Summer Is Over–Welcome Back Photo Credit—Kiel Leggere, philadelphiaeagles.com Hi Readers, Summer is over. Welcome back! Philly rocks, and I am pretty excited about everything that is going on. So, a few comments to kick off the new season. I can be a detail-oriented stickler, so first let me get this out of the way. Summer is not technically over, and this is not a “new season.” The autumnal equinox is on September 22 (at 2:29pm). I will likely write more about that in my September 19th ATB. Will the excitement never end? The practical summer season is over, the kids are back in school, the Birds are flying high, the Phils have called up their 3rd catcher, allowing Topper more flexibility to use JT Realmuto as a DH, and so on. Regarding the Birds, not the smoothest, most dominant win for sure, but who cares. A) The opener is sort of like the pre-season these days. B) Jalen Carter was out (Really, Jalen?). C) That is the exact kind of game that great teams win. D) We beat the Cowboys like usual. E-A-G-L-E-S! EAGLES. GO BIRDS! The Eagles recently signed play-by-play announcer Merrill Reese to a multi-year extension! 48 years and counting for Merrill behind the Eagles' mic. What a great guy and superb announcer. Frankie’s Summer Club opened in the courtyard of the former UArt’s Furness Hall. I wrote about this site and super positive story in my February 28, 2025 ATB explaining why this whole development was good news for Philly. This mid-August Inquirer article discussing the FSC opening sets forth an interesting counterpoint to my February positivity—namely, how opponents of the original Bok Building concept derided the plan and “termed the project ‘tone-deaf’ and an ‘obvious symbol of gentrification.’” Wow. Talk about tone-deaf. The Bok has been an overwhelming success story for our city, the neighborhood, and artisans and small maker businesses alike. And now Scout is delivering again at the UArts site. Also, great news for Philly’s Mütter Museum, which has a new policy in place that will allow the continuation and restoration of its human remains collections (in person and online) while also respecting the dignity of the donors. Importantly, it will permit living donors who desire to bequeath their remains to the museum to have their wish honored. Only in Philly would this be a somewhat normal story. As Philadelphians know, while the cheesesteak is our most famous sandwich, the roast pork is just as original and popular among locals. If you want to try one of Philly’s absolute best sandwiches (and my current favorite), check out Porco's Porchetteria at 22nd & Washington—I personally love the Philly and the Pork & Apples. (Note: I will give this sandwich up during the Days of Awe. And will not break the fast with it.) And so, we begin the Fall. Have a great weekend. Warm regards, Jeff Spotlight Property Rittenhouse Square 1710-12 Locust Street 7 BD | 8 BA | 9500 SF | $4,250,000 This important, significant double property, steps from Rittenhouse Square is a rare opportunity offering several different flexible possibilities for use. This historic building (c. 1853) is superbly and completely renovated throughout with tasteful, bespoke finishes—all finely crafted. In absolute pristine condition and impeccably maintained. 1710-1712 Locust offers 9,500 Sq ft, CMX-3 zoning, 3 to 4 car parking, and THE premier Rittenhouse Square location--multiple opportunities await—such as— 1. Currently set up as a spacious office building with elevator, reception, multiple offices and conference rooms, kitchen, eating area, and significant storage. A turn-key, exquisite, high-end professional office building. NOTE: 1710-12 Locust is the current home of one of the nation’s premier Aviation Law Firms, and such is evident in the quality of fit and finish throughout. 2. Easily convert, with minimal modifications, to one single family mansion just off Rittenhouse Square with 3 to 4 car parking. This space is readily convertible from office to residential. 3. Convert back to two spacious Rittenhouse Square townhomes. 4. Readily convert to a Live-Work space or office/residential mixed use. 5. Convert to a multi-unit or condominium conversion with various residential configurations possible to best meet your plans. 6. Any combination of the above uses. This historic property is 34’ wide and offers a gorgeous, historic brick façade (with large window assembly that inundates the property with light). This property offers multiple conference rooms, offices, many other significant spaces, bathrooms, multi-car parking/outdoor space—all ready to go as an office or easily convertible to residential, multi-family, or mixed use. 1710-1712 Locust Street is located in the heart of Philadelphia’s premier residential and commercial neighborhood. Within a half block of Rittenhouse Square itself and just steps from the city’s finest dining and shopping. An unequivocal A+ location. Featured Listings Germantown, Newbold & University City Coming soon! Six Property (37 Unit) Apartment Portfolio $7,135,000 University City - Triplex new listing! Pending! 4419 Baltimore Avenue 7 BD | 4 BA | 3496 SF | $860,000 University City 4518 Walnut Street 8 BD | 3.5 BA | 4300 SF | $925,000 Rittenhouse 1710-12 Locust Street 7 BD | 8 BA | 9500 SF | $4,250,000 University City NEW PRICE! 251 S 46th Street 5 BD | 3.5 BA | 3557 SF | $875,000 olde kensington - Duplex 1302 N Marshall Street 6 BD | 5 BA | 2615 SF | $795,000 East Mount Airy 614 E Vernon Road 6 BD | 2 BA | 3300 SF | $595,000 Fox Chase 709 Chandler Street 3 BD | 2 BA | 1600 SF | $432,000 East Oak Lane 6607 N 13th Street 5 BD | 2 BA | 2300 SF | $415,000 Spring Garden 2037 North Street 1 BD | 1 BA | 800 SF | $375,000 Albany Township - Berks County 333 New Bethel Church Road 6 BD | 4.5 BA | 2507 SF | $1,497,000 Rittenhouse Square 219 S 18th Street #1105 1 BD | 1 BA | 532 SF | $335,000 WEST PHILADELPHIA pending! 4734 Upland Street 3 BD | 1 BA | 1260 SF | $299,000 Fairmount 2601 Pennsylvania Ave #952 2 BD | 1 BA | 958 SF | $265,000 Avenue of the Arts 1425 Locust Street #7D 1 BD | 1 BA | 883 SF | $265,000 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. Jeff City Block City Block Team Assoc. Broker M: (215) 833-7088 O: (267) 435-8015 jeff.block@compass.com Some imagery in this e-newsletter was sourced via visitphilly.com and Canva.
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