Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 14h

Bratislava is gorgeous this time of year

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 1d

A former factory at 3700-40 Kensington Ave. near the Harrowgate/Juniata border has new plans. Naked Philly first reported a conversion to 64 apartments, but new permits show a reduction to 43 units, with ground-floor office space & parking for 66 vehicles/20 bicycles.

Thoughts?

3

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 1d

In a move we cannot remember seeing ever, the planned mechanical garage at Annex 1201 at 12th & Vine will be changed to storage space. Plans originally called for 36 below-grade spaces for this addition the Jarvis Building. This is just two blocks from the Race-Vine BSL station.

5

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 1d

BREAKING: a 36-floor, 620-unit tower is proposed at 1321 S. Columbus Blvd. in Pennsport. There had been big plans here in the past, but this new proposal (which already has permits), would change the area completely - and add better trail connections.

jackphillyre.substack.com/p/breaking-3...

BREAKING: 36 Floors, 620 Units Proposed in Pennsport

A mixed-use, 382' tower called Wharton Piers and trail improvements are planned along the Delaware River

jackphillyre.substack.com

1 1 8

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 4d

go birds

1

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 6d

A cool opportunity in a couple weeks to tour what will be one of the region’s premier job/logistics centers at the massive Bellwether District. This (along with all the Phila Port stuff) is going to completely redefine the future of South/SW Philly.

3

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 7d

The Chinatown Night Market is happening a week from today on Thursday, 10/9 from 6-10 pm. Food, music, events, and more right in the heart of the neighborhood. Go check it out and watch the Phillies game close by that night (Phils in 4). Get out and explore 😎

2 7

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 7d

One of the last undeveloped sites near the NoLibs-Olde Kensington-Fishtown construction epicenter is for sale. The one-story Benjamin Moore store at 210 W. Girard has been there for years but the 15K+ sqft property could be enticing for developers.

jackphillyre.substack.com/p/developmen...

Development Site for Sale Amidst NoLibs-Olde Kensington Boom

The one-story Benajamin Moore retail store hits the market as one of the final non-developed sites in the area

jackphillyre.substack.com

1

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 7d

Woodland Presbyterian Church at 42nd & Pine in Spruce Hill received zoning permits yesterday to be converted into 27 dwelling units. No details as of yet, but we are glad to see this spot repurposed. This is a contributing building within the newish Southeast Spruce Hill historic district.

2

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 14d

New renderings with materials were just released for the 35-unit, mixed-use proposal at 2nd & Quarry in Old City. Mostly red brick, save for some tan on the recessed upper setback along Quarry around the historical structures. Design is from Gnome.

Thoughts on the look?

1 12

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 21d

We check out a hundred-year-old stunner in Torresdale in far NE Philly. This home is oozing with charm and historic details, though it's not historically-designated - much like many, MANY other properties outside of Greater Center City.

jackphillyre.substack.com/p/a-torresda...

2 2

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 22d

A new dessert shop is coming to the ground floor of 222 N. 11th St. in Chinatown. Two blocks away at 931 Arch St., vacant office space will get new life as event space. ALWAYS stuff happening in Chinatown, so go explore if you haven't recently.

Now we just need the Troc back...

3

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 22d

Is a newly approved 20-unit project near the Bellwether District a sign of things to come? New apartments could be the first of many proposals we see near this emerging logistics powerhouse. What would you want to see happen in the area?

jackphillyre.substack.com/p/20-apartme...

1 8

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 25d

Arch is surprisingly unfriendly to bikes in Old City, even before they closed westbound traffic on Market Street

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 25d

Loved seeing that - a great idea!

5

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 25d

I believe 2026-27 was the most detailed info i’ve seen 🤷‍♂️

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 25d

Are we aware of the progress happening on the pedestrian/bike improvements on Market Street in Old City? Lots of construction now but it shall be awesome having traffic calming and more space for folks on foot. This is looking toward 2nd & Market 🚲🚶🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️🚲

3 4 26

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 27d

The $75-million Student Performing Arts Center is now above ground at 33rd & Woodlands Walk on UPenn's campus (photo is from a few months back). This will feature a 300-seat theater, rehearsal space, and more, bringing many performance arts groups under one roof. Thoughts?

2 3

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 27d

We switch things up and head back to Philadelphia, 1981. The city has changed dramatically since then, but thankfully we have these snapshots to remind ourselves of the Philly of yore. Way more photos from the 44 years ago at the link below.

jackphillyre.substack.com/p/philadelph...

Philadelphia, 1981

We take a break from regularly scheduled programming to take a quick trip back in time through photography

jackphillyre.substack.com

5

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 29d

After an old design was approved in 2020 (Img 4), a 285-unit proposal & land is for sale on N. American St. near Norris Square. The new plans have been simplified, with over 40K sqft of commercial space for the ground floor. Thoughts on the new look?

jackphillyre.substack.com/p/block-of-n...

1 5

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · Sep 9

Humbled and honored by the extremely official branding for next year's 250th Anniversary celebration

4

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · Sep 8

The Philadelphia Zoo hopes to add a Ferris wheel in advance of next summer's 250th anniversary celebrations happening across the city. This would rise 110' and offer views we haven't seen since the Zoo Balloon was shut down in 2014. Who's going for a ride?

jackphillyre.substack.com/p/philadelph...

5 3 21

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · Sep 7

A new Phlush, a half-million bucks for new sculptures, a canal flowing for the first time in 85 years, a bridge to be closed to the flow of traffic/people for three years, and more - now you have Sunday plans with the Birds already victorious.

jackphillyre.substack.com/p/weekend-fi...

7

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · Sep 5

Does a subdivision next to Pizzeria Beddia mean the return of multi-family plans (Img 4)? We head to Fishtown to check out the former home to Bikes-N-Beans and explore what might possibly be ahead. What would you want to see here?

jackphillyre.substack.com/p/subdivisio...