Jack O’Brien
@jackphillyre.bsky.social
Reposted by Jack O’Brien
South Philly folks: Marra’s is closing Wednesday. Get your meals and nostalgia in quick!
1734-36 E. Passyunk Ave., home to Marra's, is currently under contract (listed for $2M). This classic Italian restaurant has been around since 1927, so we hope the buyer keeps the old school charm; it would be a shame to see this go.
November 24, 2025 at 1:20 AM
South Philly folks: Marra’s is closing Wednesday. Get your meals and nostalgia in quick!
After we first reported last month, Wharton Piers in Pennsport heads to CDR. 620 units across 36 floors over retail are proposed, with two more towers planned for future phases. This would add up to *2,000 units* and some gorgeous new trails.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/update-wha...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/update-wha...
Update: Wharton Piers in Pennsport Heads to CDR with Multi-Phased Plans
After permits were issued over the summer, more details emerge for three residential towers planned along the Delaware River
jackphillyre.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:07 PM
After we first reported last month, Wharton Piers in Pennsport heads to CDR. 620 units across 36 floors over retail are proposed, with two more towers planned for future phases. This would add up to *2,000 units* and some gorgeous new trails.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/update-wha...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/update-wha...
An addition, 33 units are coming to a former police station in Fairhill. This Mid-Century Modern structure could see new life, with commercial and apartments getting zoning permits yesterday. We're thrilled to see this non-protected structure get new life.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/addition-a...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/addition-a...
Addition, Apartments for Former Police Station in Fairhill
The Mid-Century structure has been vacant for years but will see 33 units, ground floor commercial space - and a new life
jackphillyre.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:01 PM
An addition, 33 units are coming to a former police station in Fairhill. This Mid-Century Modern structure could see new life, with commercial and apartments getting zoning permits yesterday. We're thrilled to see this non-protected structure get new life.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/addition-a...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/addition-a...
The Francisville Triangle has undergone a huge transformation over the last 16 years. Townhouses and new construction apartments have dramatically changed the area near Wylie & Cameron St., with an even larger five-story, 115-unit building planned for the corner.
November 19, 2025 at 8:20 PM
The Francisville Triangle has undergone a huge transformation over the last 16 years. Townhouses and new construction apartments have dramatically changed the area near Wylie & Cameron St., with an even larger five-story, 115-unit building planned for the corner.
What if we kissed...at the bistro in the base of the new Fishtown parking garage that overlooks a gravel lot?
The seven-story, 372-space garage will head to Civic Design Review on December 2nd. Rooftop commercial space will also be included, with views of Carvana.
The seven-story, 372-space garage will head to Civic Design Review on December 2nd. Rooftop commercial space will also be included, with views of Carvana.
November 19, 2025 at 3:04 PM
What if we kissed...at the bistro in the base of the new Fishtown parking garage that overlooks a gravel lot?
The seven-story, 372-space garage will head to Civic Design Review on December 2nd. Rooftop commercial space will also be included, with views of Carvana.
The seven-story, 372-space garage will head to Civic Design Review on December 2nd. Rooftop commercial space will also be included, with views of Carvana.
Today and tomorrow at the corner of 20th & Fairmount, recently home to Rite Aid and parking. As Rising Real Estate reported, plans for three stories, 28 units and five commercial spaces are heading to the Historical Commission for review. Love seeing this corner shift to mixed-use 👍
November 18, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Today and tomorrow at the corner of 20th & Fairmount, recently home to Rite Aid and parking. As Rising Real Estate reported, plans for three stories, 28 units and five commercial spaces are heading to the Historical Commission for review. Love seeing this corner shift to mixed-use 👍
BREAKING: REC Philly's studios & HQ at the Fashion District will close on Dec. 20th. The creative agency has studios, co-working, and more at this 10K sqft space that's been open since 2019. This is a big blow to the vibrancy of the Fashion District.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/breaking-r...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/breaking-r...
BREAKING: REC Philly's Studios Will Close at the Fashion District
The creative space will cease operations on December 20th due to "unforeseen circumstances," with no plans to reopen
jackphillyre.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:04 AM
BREAKING: REC Philly's studios & HQ at the Fashion District will close on Dec. 20th. The creative agency has studios, co-working, and more at this 10K sqft space that's been open since 2019. This is a big blow to the vibrancy of the Fashion District.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/breaking-r...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/breaking-r...
Huge news for the Rittenhouse Square area - this will make quite a mark on the skyline.
By securing $173 million in construction financing, a local developer has cleared the way for it to build Philadelphia's tallest for-rent apartment building on a prime site in Rittenhouse Square.
Developer secures $173M to build towering Rittenhouse Square project
By securing $173 million in construction financing, a local developer has cleared the way for it to build Philadelphia's tallest for-rent apartment building on a prime site in Rittenhouse Square.
bit.ly
November 17, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Huge news for the Rittenhouse Square area - this will make quite a mark on the skyline.
The Silver Buckle is now open at the former JJ Bootleggers spot at 35 S. 2nd St. in Old City. This “Nashville inspired party bar” looks to pick up where JJB left off, so expect to see this packed for tonight’s Birds game 🦅 Glad to see the space reactivated on this stretch.
November 16, 2025 at 8:14 PM
The Silver Buckle is now open at the former JJ Bootleggers spot at 35 S. 2nd St. in Old City. This “Nashville inspired party bar” looks to pick up where JJB left off, so expect to see this packed for tonight’s Birds game 🦅 Glad to see the space reactivated on this stretch.
No action, sales, or permits recently for 700 Chestnut St., which had plans for an overbuild nearly three years ago. This would also involve the demo of Las Vegas Lounge next door. It would be awesome to see these buildings reactivated, overbuild or not. Design from Studio HS4.
November 16, 2025 at 1:59 AM
No action, sales, or permits recently for 700 Chestnut St., which had plans for an overbuild nearly three years ago. This would also involve the demo of Las Vegas Lounge next door. It would be awesome to see these buildings reactivated, overbuild or not. Design from Studio HS4.
Some major changes near 26th & Poplar over the years. The Brewerytown neighborhood has seen a wild amount of development as this little stretch shows.
November 15, 2025 at 2:28 AM
Some major changes near 26th & Poplar over the years. The Brewerytown neighborhood has seen a wild amount of development as this little stretch shows.
An information session for the Spring Garden Connector is taking place Wed. Nov. 19th at the School District offices on N. Broad St. Engineering plans will be presented with opportunity for feedback. This is in advance of construction, which should be completed by 2029, per @whyynews.bsky.social.
November 14, 2025 at 2:05 PM
An information session for the Spring Garden Connector is taking place Wed. Nov. 19th at the School District offices on N. Broad St. Engineering plans will be presented with opportunity for feedback. This is in advance of construction, which should be completed by 2029, per @whyynews.bsky.social.
401 Market St. on Independence Mall has an uncertain future - which is perfect for speculating about what that might entail. After some key vacancies and a recently paid-off loan, what lies ahead for this office tower?
More soothsaying below/in the bio 🔮
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/speculatio...
More soothsaying below/in the bio 🔮
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/speculatio...
Speculation Time! Predicting the future of 401 Market St.
We let our imagination run wild about what's ahead for this office tower that sits on a key corner of Independence Mall
jackphillyre.substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:41 AM
401 Market St. on Independence Mall has an uncertain future - which is perfect for speculating about what that might entail. After some key vacancies and a recently paid-off loan, what lies ahead for this office tower?
More soothsaying below/in the bio 🔮
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/speculatio...
More soothsaying below/in the bio 🔮
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/speculatio...
Big news for the Philly arts scene: Ministry of Awe will have its grand opening on Saturday, March 14th at 27 N. 3rd St. in Old City. The former bank is getting six floors of fun, all organized by muralist Meg Saligman. Love seeing the arts returning to Old City.
November 13, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Big news for the Philly arts scene: Ministry of Awe will have its grand opening on Saturday, March 14th at 27 N. 3rd St. in Old City. The former bank is getting six floors of fun, all organized by muralist Meg Saligman. Love seeing the arts returning to Old City.
1713 N. Front St. is underway per Full Court Construction. 55 units over 2,700 sqft of commercial space is coming, with a slightly updated design from Canno. This is right across from the new Urby, which has Percy diner and Mecha Noodle Bar on the ground floor.
November 13, 2025 at 5:42 PM
1713 N. Front St. is underway per Full Court Construction. 55 units over 2,700 sqft of commercial space is coming, with a slightly updated design from Canno. This is right across from the new Urby, which has Percy diner and Mecha Noodle Bar on the ground floor.
Rendering vs. reality at The Riley, 80 units over commercial space at 6808 Ridge Ave. in Roxborough. This one finished up within the last year or so, with a design from Ingram/Sageser. Let’s get some landscaping going here, please?
November 13, 2025 at 3:18 AM
Rendering vs. reality at The Riley, 80 units over commercial space at 6808 Ridge Ave. in Roxborough. This one finished up within the last year or so, with a design from Ingram/Sageser. Let’s get some landscaping going here, please?
The New Market Headhouse & Shambles will see a new ADA-accessible bathroom, restored brick/masonry, and a new brick walkway. This went to the Art Commission today for review and has already received funding, so we could see changes here soon.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/new-market...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/new-market...
New Market Headhouse and Shambles to See Renovations, Functional Changes
A new ADA-accessible bathroom, restored brick and masonry, and a new brick walkway are part of the plans for the Headhouse Square landmark
jackphillyre.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:56 PM
The New Market Headhouse & Shambles will see a new ADA-accessible bathroom, restored brick/masonry, and a new brick walkway. This went to the Art Commission today for review and has already received funding, so we could see changes here soon.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/new-market...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/new-market...
November 12, 2025 at 5:11 PM
The final design of the Chinatown Stitch highway capping project will be revealed at a session tomorrow, Wed 11/12 from 5-8pm. This first phase will add some much-needed green space to the neighborhood, so we're excited to see the plans. Let's hope the funding here comes through.
November 11, 2025 at 4:58 PM
The final design of the Chinatown Stitch highway capping project will be revealed at a session tomorrow, Wed 11/12 from 5-8pm. This first phase will add some much-needed green space to the neighborhood, so we're excited to see the plans. Let's hope the funding here comes through.
24 units & two retail spaces received zoning approval at 2620 Frankford Ave. in East Kensington. The six-story brick design joins many other recent projects, with the biggest of them all planned for the huge Woods Bros lot across the street (Img 4).
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/24-units-t...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/24-units-t...
24 Units, Two Commercial Spaces Approved for East Kensington Lot
A vacant lot receives zoning approval for a six-story building across from a massive development site that awaits its future
jackphillyre.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:03 PM
24 units & two retail spaces received zoning approval at 2620 Frankford Ave. in East Kensington. The six-story brick design joins many other recent projects, with the biggest of them all planned for the huge Woods Bros lot across the street (Img 4).
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/24-units-t...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/24-units-t...
This has been listed for a minute, but it's still one of the coolest places I can remember seeing: 4900 Longshore Ave. in Tacony.
Built in 1893 as a bank, it's most recently been home to Keystone Soundworks, but this 3-bed/3-bath, 9,300 sqft spot could be your home for $1.07M.
Built in 1893 as a bank, it's most recently been home to Keystone Soundworks, but this 3-bed/3-bath, 9,300 sqft spot could be your home for $1.07M.
November 10, 2025 at 4:43 PM
This has been listed for a minute, but it's still one of the coolest places I can remember seeing: 4900 Longshore Ave. in Tacony.
Built in 1893 as a bank, it's most recently been home to Keystone Soundworks, but this 3-bed/3-bath, 9,300 sqft spot could be your home for $1.07M.
Built in 1893 as a bank, it's most recently been home to Keystone Soundworks, but this 3-bed/3-bath, 9,300 sqft spot could be your home for $1.07M.
Ten units are coming to the Swartz Building at 1108 Chestnut St. in Market East. This site had a long commercial history (including being the original home to Stetson) before permits were issued for a residential update.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/weekend-qu...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/weekend-qu...
November 8, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Ten units are coming to the Swartz Building at 1108 Chestnut St. in Market East. This site had a long commercial history (including being the original home to Stetson) before permits were issued for a residential update.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/weekend-qu...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/weekend-qu...
Did you know that classic cowboy brand Stetson was started in Philly? The company was making up to 3 million hats per year at their massive manufacturing complex near 4th & Montgomery Ave. Sadly, the incredible buildings are long gone, though vestiges of the layout still remain.
November 8, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Did you know that classic cowboy brand Stetson was started in Philly? The company was making up to 3 million hats per year at their massive manufacturing complex near 4th & Montgomery Ave. Sadly, the incredible buildings are long gone, though vestiges of the layout still remain.
Regarding Mayor Parker's newly announced Market East Advisory Group:
***THE OWNER OF THE DISNEY HOLE IS IN THE MARKET EAST ADVISORY GROUP***
***THE OWNER OF THE DISNEY HOLE IS IN THE MARKET EAST ADVISORY GROUP***
November 7, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Regarding Mayor Parker's newly announced Market East Advisory Group:
***THE OWNER OF THE DISNEY HOLE IS IN THE MARKET EAST ADVISORY GROUP***
***THE OWNER OF THE DISNEY HOLE IS IN THE MARKET EAST ADVISORY GROUP***
Two Tun Tavern proposals are in the works just around the corner from each other in Old City. They're both hosting soft-launch events on Monday, Nov. 10th at the same time, so we explore the history, architecture, and drama of these competing projects.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/two-tuns-o...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/two-tuns-o...
November 7, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Two Tun Tavern proposals are in the works just around the corner from each other in Old City. They're both hosting soft-launch events on Monday, Nov. 10th at the same time, so we explore the history, architecture, and drama of these competing projects.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/two-tuns-o...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/two-tuns-o...