Jack O’Brien
@jackphillyre.bsky.social
The Department of the Interior should learn to shut their mouths and know what their role is - it’s not whatever this crap is. Embarrassing but not surprising from these cretins:
January 23, 2026 at 11:21 PM
The Department of the Interior should learn to shut their mouths and know what their role is - it’s not whatever this crap is. Embarrassing but not surprising from these cretins:
Three new signs for a trio of Rittenhouse Square businesses:
Mitchell & Ness in their new flagship store at 1513 Walnut St.
SEV brings their laser hair removal to 1525 Chestnut St.
Haraz Coffee brings Yemeni coffee to 1822 Chestnut St.
Which spot are you most stoked for?
Mitchell & Ness in their new flagship store at 1513 Walnut St.
SEV brings their laser hair removal to 1525 Chestnut St.
Haraz Coffee brings Yemeni coffee to 1822 Chestnut St.
Which spot are you most stoked for?
January 23, 2026 at 9:52 PM
Three new signs for a trio of Rittenhouse Square businesses:
Mitchell & Ness in their new flagship store at 1513 Walnut St.
SEV brings their laser hair removal to 1525 Chestnut St.
Haraz Coffee brings Yemeni coffee to 1822 Chestnut St.
Which spot are you most stoked for?
Mitchell & Ness in their new flagship store at 1513 Walnut St.
SEV brings their laser hair removal to 1525 Chestnut St.
Haraz Coffee brings Yemeni coffee to 1822 Chestnut St.
Which spot are you most stoked for?
BREAKING: A zoning permit was issued yesterday for 300 residential units for a parklet at N. Broad & Vine. After other permits were recently issued, another project may be coming to an area that could see a residential ban in the future.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/breaking-3...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/breaking-3...
BREAKING: 300 Units Receive Zoning Approval for Park at Broad & Vine
Yet another property in a potential zoning overlay could see a turn to residential in an area that is bound to see some changes
jackphillyre.substack.com
January 23, 2026 at 3:43 PM
BREAKING: A zoning permit was issued yesterday for 300 residential units for a parklet at N. Broad & Vine. After other permits were recently issued, another project may be coming to an area that could see a residential ban in the future.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/breaking-3...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/breaking-3...
An RFI was issued yesterday to bring modular home construction to Philly, including to the sinking Logan Triangle. We break down the history, the players, and what we see ahead for this latest piece of Mayor Parker's Project HOME initiative.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/mayor-park...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/mayor-park...
Mayor Parker Wants to Bring Home Manufacturing to Philadelphia
A new RFI and press conference suggest modular housing factories for within city limits, but we still have some major questions
jackphillyre.substack.com
January 22, 2026 at 8:35 PM
An RFI was issued yesterday to bring modular home construction to Philly, including to the sinking Logan Triangle. We break down the history, the players, and what we see ahead for this latest piece of Mayor Parker's Project HOME initiative.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/mayor-park...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/mayor-park...
A new design for this is heading to the Architectural Committee of the Historical Commission next week. This slightly updates a design we weren’t in love with when we wrote about it in December. Thoughts on the new proposed look?
January 21, 2026 at 9:15 PM
A new design for this is heading to the Architectural Committee of the Historical Commission next week. This slightly updates a design we weren’t in love with when we wrote about it in December. Thoughts on the new proposed look?
4889 Umbria St. in Manayunk makes a return trip to Civic Design Review next month. 369 units and a 380-vehicle garage are planned around some existing low-rise industrial buildings. This is all directly across from the Ivy Ridge SEPTA station. Thoughts on the plans?
January 20, 2026 at 8:09 PM
4889 Umbria St. in Manayunk makes a return trip to Civic Design Review next month. 369 units and a 380-vehicle garage are planned around some existing low-rise industrial buildings. This is all directly across from the Ivy Ridge SEPTA station. Thoughts on the plans?
Signs of Old City from a sunnier day
January 18, 2026 at 9:16 PM
Signs of Old City from a sunnier day
No action in ages at 141-43 N. 4th St./319 Cherry St. in Old City. The developer, Genesis Capital, bought another property nearby last year on N. 3rd St., but seems to be dealing with lawsuits in both Utah & New Jersey. No word if - or when - this one will get moving again.
January 16, 2026 at 8:07 PM
No action in ages at 141-43 N. 4th St./319 Cherry St. in Old City. The developer, Genesis Capital, bought another property nearby last year on N. 3rd St., but seems to be dealing with lawsuits in both Utah & New Jersey. No word if - or when - this one will get moving again.
OMC's 1997 hit single "How Bizarre" was the first song by a New Zealand artist to top the U.S. Billboard chart. Happy Friday, everyone.
January 16, 2026 at 1:56 PM
OMC's 1997 hit single "How Bizarre" was the first song by a New Zealand artist to top the U.S. Billboard chart. Happy Friday, everyone.
Rendering vs. Reality: 6515 Ridge Ave.
A 100-unit apartment in Roxborough was completed somewhat recently. This received a fresh food market bonus for 15 extra feet of height, but a new zoning permit shows that a childcare center will go in instead. So much for the market, it seems!
A 100-unit apartment in Roxborough was completed somewhat recently. This received a fresh food market bonus for 15 extra feet of height, but a new zoning permit shows that a childcare center will go in instead. So much for the market, it seems!
January 15, 2026 at 9:59 PM
Rendering vs. Reality: 6515 Ridge Ave.
A 100-unit apartment in Roxborough was completed somewhat recently. This received a fresh food market bonus for 15 extra feet of height, but a new zoning permit shows that a childcare center will go in instead. So much for the market, it seems!
A 100-unit apartment in Roxborough was completed somewhat recently. This received a fresh food market bonus for 15 extra feet of height, but a new zoning permit shows that a childcare center will go in instead. So much for the market, it seems!
146 units may be on the way at Frankford & Lehigh. The former tire shop just received demo permits, meaning this mixed-use apartment that went to CDR in Sep 2023 could be imminent. This is right across from another proposal that may see demo soon.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/demo-permi...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/demo-permi...
Demo Permit Could Clear Way for 146-unit Apartment at Frankford & Lehigh
After a trip to Civic Design Review in September 2023, a mixed-use project could move ahead at key Kensington intersection
jackphillyre.substack.com
January 15, 2026 at 6:46 PM
146 units may be on the way at Frankford & Lehigh. The former tire shop just received demo permits, meaning this mixed-use apartment that went to CDR in Sep 2023 could be imminent. This is right across from another proposal that may see demo soon.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/demo-permi...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/demo-permi...
A ceremonial groundbreaking took place today for this now $150 million upgrade to the streetscape along the Avenue of the Arts. Phase 1 calls for a landscaped median between Spruce & Pine, with more plantings/seating/lighting to come. Check the article from last summer for more.
January 15, 2026 at 2:17 AM
A ceremonial groundbreaking took place today for this now $150 million upgrade to the streetscape along the Avenue of the Arts. Phase 1 calls for a landscaped median between Spruce & Pine, with more plantings/seating/lighting to come. Check the article from last summer for more.
44 affordable units are recently wrapped at Ruth Street Civic House in Kensington. These apartments sit right next to another recent affordable housing complex, and all just a block or so from the MFL. We love seeing this and hope we see way more.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/44-deeply-...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/44-deeply-...
44 Deeply Affordable Units are Now Complete in Kensington
Ruth Street Civic House recently wrapped up applications for homes right next to former factory at Orinoka Civic House
jackphillyre.substack.com
January 14, 2026 at 6:33 PM
44 affordable units are recently wrapped at Ruth Street Civic House in Kensington. These apartments sit right next to another recent affordable housing complex, and all just a block or so from the MFL. We love seeing this and hope we see way more.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/44-deeply-...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/44-deeply-...
Have you always wanted to buy a McDonald's? Well now you can! The soon-to-open fast-food spot at 1604 Chestnut St. just hit the market for $3.57 million. The store's 20-year lease starts March 2026, bringing the golden arches back to Center City in the old Portabella storefront.
January 14, 2026 at 3:18 PM
Have you always wanted to buy a McDonald's? Well now you can! The soon-to-open fast-food spot at 1604 Chestnut St. just hit the market for $3.57 million. The store's 20-year lease starts March 2026, bringing the golden arches back to Center City in the old Portabella storefront.
Per @phillytrib.bsky.social, the intercity bus terminal will be back in action May 1st. Mayor Parker signed legislation that will return this to Chinatown this spring, getting this operating before the events of this summer. This ends years of stopgap solutions that were terrible for riders.
January 14, 2026 at 12:36 AM
Per @phillytrib.bsky.social, the intercity bus terminal will be back in action May 1st. Mayor Parker signed legislation that will return this to Chinatown this spring, getting this operating before the events of this summer. This ends years of stopgap solutions that were terrible for riders.
Nick Sirianni: confirmed JackPhillyRE reader
January 13, 2026 at 8:59 PM
Nick Sirianni: confirmed JackPhillyRE reader
A coffee shop is coming to the corner of 12th & Chancellor to 210 S. 12th St. in the Gayborhood. No word yet on the specific tenant, but we're glad to see this commercial space filled along this burgeoning stretch of the neighborhood. What would you want to see here?
January 13, 2026 at 2:41 PM
A coffee shop is coming to the corner of 12th & Chancellor to 210 S. 12th St. in the Gayborhood. No word yet on the specific tenant, but we're glad to see this commercial space filled along this burgeoning stretch of the neighborhood. What would you want to see here?
A 1.4-acre industrial site is for sale amongst a sea of cars. This is across the river from the Bellwether District and across from a brand-new soil recycling plant. Is this a sign of a changing industrial district in SW Philly?
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/14-acre-in...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/14-acre-in...
1.4-acre Industrial Site for Sale in Southwest Philly
A property directly across from a newly constructed soil recycling facility just hit the market for $4.5 million
jackphillyre.substack.com
January 12, 2026 at 6:14 PM
A 1.4-acre industrial site is for sale amongst a sea of cars. This is across the river from the Bellwether District and across from a brand-new soil recycling plant. Is this a sign of a changing industrial district in SW Philly?
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/14-acre-in...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/14-acre-in...
We check on progress at the 14 condos that are The Curator on Quarry Street in Old City. This luxury spot is moving fast now, and we have a bunch of new interior renderings of what's to come. Would you drop over a million on a spot here?
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/weekend-qu...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/weekend-qu...
Weekend Quickie: Progress for the Curator Condos in Old City
New construction and an adaptive reuse make progress on an adorable stretch of the neighborhood
jackphillyre.substack.com
January 11, 2026 at 7:35 PM
We check on progress at the 14 condos that are The Curator on Quarry Street in Old City. This luxury spot is moving fast now, and we have a bunch of new interior renderings of what's to come. Would you drop over a million on a spot here?
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/weekend-qu...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/weekend-qu...
The intersection of E. York & Jasper in East Kensington maybe has maybe changed more than anywhere in Philly since 2009. Hundreds of new construction apartments have risen just a block from the York-Dauphin El station. How are you feeling about the change?
January 11, 2026 at 1:31 PM
The intersection of E. York & Jasper in East Kensington maybe has maybe changed more than anywhere in Philly since 2009. Hundreds of new construction apartments have risen just a block from the York-Dauphin El station. How are you feeling about the change?
1936 Washington Ave. is for sale for $9.2 million. Long the home to OCF Realty, Planet Fitness is filling the 2nd floor and Baker Street Bread Co. has also had space here. A mystery grocery store/butcher shop recently received permits, along with a sit-down/take-out restaurant.
January 10, 2026 at 9:27 PM
1936 Washington Ave. is for sale for $9.2 million. Long the home to OCF Realty, Planet Fitness is filling the 2nd floor and Baker Street Bread Co. has also had space here. A mystery grocery store/butcher shop recently received permits, along with a sit-down/take-out restaurant.
Weekend Five: January 10th, 2026
A day later than usual, but we tackle some recent listings, some recent sales, and an unfortunate closure of a street art venue. Get the lowdown on what's happening before this Wild Card Weekend.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/weekend-fi...
A day later than usual, but we tackle some recent listings, some recent sales, and an unfortunate closure of a street art venue. Get the lowdown on what's happening before this Wild Card Weekend.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/weekend-fi...
Weekend Five: January 10th, 2026
A day later than usual, but we tackle some recent listings, some recent sales, and an unfortunate closure of a street art venue
jackphillyre.substack.com
January 10, 2026 at 6:10 PM
Weekend Five: January 10th, 2026
A day later than usual, but we tackle some recent listings, some recent sales, and an unfortunate closure of a street art venue. Get the lowdown on what's happening before this Wild Card Weekend.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/weekend-fi...
A day later than usual, but we tackle some recent listings, some recent sales, and an unfortunate closure of a street art venue. Get the lowdown on what's happening before this Wild Card Weekend.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/weekend-fi...
Recently completed, recently started, and in-progress projects complete our Vine St. focus. 150+ units are coming the sleepier northwestern corner of Old City. This will completely change the area, transforming the quiet vibe along Vine. Thoughts?
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/more-actio...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/more-actio...
More Action at the Northwest Corner of Old City
Recently completed, recently started, and in-progress projects complete our Vine St. focus on one of Philly's busiest streets
jackphillyre.substack.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:21 PM
Recently completed, recently started, and in-progress projects complete our Vine St. focus. 150+ units are coming the sleepier northwestern corner of Old City. This will completely change the area, transforming the quiet vibe along Vine. Thoughts?
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/more-actio...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/more-actio...
Rendering vs. Reality: 2132 N. 10th St.
Six-stories, 35 units on a triangular lot that overlooks the Temple football practice field. One-bedroom units start just under $1,400/month for this building that just started leasing. Look is from DesignBlendz. Thoughts?
Six-stories, 35 units on a triangular lot that overlooks the Temple football practice field. One-bedroom units start just under $1,400/month for this building that just started leasing. Look is from DesignBlendz. Thoughts?
January 9, 2026 at 2:34 AM
Rendering vs. Reality: 2132 N. 10th St.
Six-stories, 35 units on a triangular lot that overlooks the Temple football practice field. One-bedroom units start just under $1,400/month for this building that just started leasing. Look is from DesignBlendz. Thoughts?
Six-stories, 35 units on a triangular lot that overlooks the Temple football practice field. One-bedroom units start just under $1,400/month for this building that just started leasing. Look is from DesignBlendz. Thoughts?
UPDATE: this is now being marketed as a potential mixed-use purchase with ground-floor commercial use, with the price being reduced to $4.5 million. The Historical Commission also unanimously denied the owner's application to legalize the non-permitted work here. The intrigue!
2017 Sansom is for sale for $5 million. This three-bedroom spot has a *12* car garage and is slated to go to the Historical Commission to legalize the windows and doors that were installed without a permit or approval - oops! This carriage house was built in 1885.
January 8, 2026 at 7:52 PM
UPDATE: this is now being marketed as a potential mixed-use purchase with ground-floor commercial use, with the price being reduced to $4.5 million. The Historical Commission also unanimously denied the owner's application to legalize the non-permitted work here. The intrigue!