iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

The view yesterday in Old City of 151 N. 3rd St., several new condos above The Curator Collective, a recently opened third space with plenty of art on the ground floor. The planters from the street all the way to the top windows is such a lovely touch.

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Awesome progress on the swing bridge at Schuylkill Crossing. This will provide a walking/biking pathway between SW Philly and Center City, offering an important connection between the two areas. Photo is from Schuylkill Banks.

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Reposted by Jack O’Brien

Sarah McAnulty, Ph.D. @sarahmackattack.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

If you care about keeping the Academy of Natural Sciences open to the public in Philadelphia, I need you to read and share this thread. Trish Wellenbach was sent from the mayor's office to oversee the Academy of Natural sciences situation. She needs to hear from us. Here comes the action item:

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Today and Tomorrow in Old City Four floors are already framed out at the former Painted Bride. 85 units are planned across six floors, along with a possible restaurant space. How are we feeling about what’s to come?

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Progress moving along at the Sedgwick Theater on this gorgeous Saturday. Go explore if you can 🤘

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

BREAKING: Per Shams Charania of ESPN, we have brand-new renderings of the Sixers/Flyers arena at the South Philly Sports Complex. This would rise where the old Spectrum was. Thoughts on the design?

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

It’s the start of fall once Riverwards Produce puts out their pumpkins 🎃

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Update on 11th & Berks: Per @inquirer.com and a CDR submission from last week, look for 129 units of affordable housing to rise here (which is a bigger property than speculated almost exactly a year back). Design is from WRT; looks very similar to the original rendering.

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

The Riverwards Group secured a $20 million loan to move forward on a 155-unit project in Olde Richmond, per Bisnow. This first went through the CDR process back in mid-2022 and will take the place of what's currently a triangular, vacant lot behind the AutoZone on Aramingo. Thoughts on the plans?

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

A trio of Rittenhouse retail updates -Rothy's will bring their recycled shoes to 1613 Walnut St. -Call Your Mother bagel shop moves into the old Metropolitan Bakery spot at 1901 Spruce St. -ENTO wellness spa takes over the storefront of 1919 Walnut St. What are you excited for?

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

A University City tower that saw a recent addition now gets a new name and sign. 3600 Civic Center Blvd. will now be called the Penn Medicine Middleman Center once signage is approved. We think about the area's future as we celebrate being back on the beat. jackphillyre.substack.com/p/new-name-s...

jackphillyre.substack.com

New Name, Signage for Prominent Penn Medicine Building in University City

The office/lab building saw the completion of an addition last year and now sees a new name along the West Philly skyline

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

A 118-unit proposal at 23rd & Walnut that was first reported by PBJ heads to Civic Design Review in September. Plans call for apartments over 2,750 sqft of retail and underground parking for 46 vehicles. A larger proposal here never came to fruition a few years back. Thoughts?

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

A two-story retail space with rooftop dining in Rittenhouse Square is heading to the Hist. Comm. The property at 1706-10 Walnut St. is currently home to Walnut Garden after a fire destroyed the original buildings several years back. Design is from JKRP. Thoughts on the proposal?

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

744-48 S. 11th St., currently home to Fearless Athletics, received zoning permits for five single-family homes. This would add to the growing number of new construction homes in the area. No building permits yet and the gym is still open, but more change likely for South Philly.

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Zoning permits were issued today for an 8-story, 188-unit proposal at 1527-47 Callowhill St., currently a parking lot. Designed by DesignBlendz, this includes commercial space and parking for 63 bikes/24 vehicles. This is just across from the proposals at the old Hahnemann campus.

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

🚨FROZEN TREAT ALERT🚨 The Fishtown Neighbors Association is hearing a proposal for a special exception for a water ice/ice cream shop at 223 E. Girard Ave. (middle), just a block from the busy nexus of Girard & Frankford. The meeting is TONIGHT at 6:30 PM for those interested.

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

A pair of 3-story, mixed-use buildings received zoning permits at 621 and 623 W. Girard Ave. (in green) on an awkwardly vacant corner. 619 W. Girard (in yellow) is still for sale separately it seems, but we are glad to see this fill in. What sort of commercial makes sense here?

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

A look east and west down the recently completed bike path along the 200 block of Market St. in Old City. This looks great with the landscaping and gives these blocks a completely different look and feel. This *will* be amazing connecting to City Hall…

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

The view of the progress on the Commerce St. Connector from Market St. The awning/porch is down, the pathway is refreshed, and landscaping is in for this updated pedestrian walkway in Old City. This whole stretch of Market St. is looking so much different than a couple years ago.

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Camellia Nail Spa & Cafe is brining manis/pedis and coffee to N. 3rd St. in Old City. This adds to both the spa and coffee scenes in the neighborhood and it looks like progress on the inside is far along. Thoughts on the concept?

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

The buildings that housed Mamma Maria, the recently closed East Passyunk Italian spot, are for sale. This consists of 1637 E. Passyunk Ave./1632 S. Jessup St. ($1.5M) & 1639 E. Passyunk Ave. ($2M), which can be purchased separately or together. More change yet for E. Passyunk Ave.

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Zoning permits were issued Wednesday for the construction of the long-awaited Penn's Landing Park. This 11-acre park along the Delaware River from Chestnut & Walnuts St. just saw the first beams go up over I-95/Delaware Ave. - a major step for this transformational project.

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

110 units and a new design are proposed for the Francisville Triangle. After being vacant for decades a multi-family building is going to CDR for the south portion of the property, which is seeing 29 rowhomes on the northern portion. Thoughts on the plans? jackphillyre.substack.com/p/110-units-...

jackphillyre.substack.com

110 Units, New Design Proposed for Francisville Triangle

After past plans came and went, an updated version of the project heads to Civic Design Review for the long vacant property

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Progress at 208-12 Vine St. in Old City. This will be 35 residential units and some parking and rose on the site of a former Colonial-era manufacturing facility. Landmark Architectural Design handled the look.

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

"Turning New," the Percent for Art installation proposed at Riverview Wellness Center, was approved last week. This will add visual interest and seating to a path between the old and new construction campus. The design is from Marguerite de Messieres and Tsvetomir Naydenov.

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Wayfinding signage is planned in East Passyunk, per a submission to an upcoming Art Commission meeting on 5/20. The sign - designed by Pace Arch. & Design - would go up on the sidewalk across from Pat's and include a map of the entire BID, the local blocks, and local event info.

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

Rendering vs. Reality: 5th & Bainbridge 157 units under construction at 5th & Bainbridge in Queen Village. This is replacing a surface parking lot that operated here for years.

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Still under construction after years and years at 10th & Spring Garden. Eight stories and 21 units have been planned here, but we aren’t sure the status of this mystery project that’s right next to Union Transfer.

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

A former parking garage could see 12 stories, 20 units in the future. The property at 725-29 S. Broad St. has hit the market and the conceptual plans are rather exciting after a proposal from 2019 came and went. jackphillyre.substack.com/p/developmen...

jackphillyre.substack.com

Development Site That Could See 12 Stories for Sale on S. Broad St.

The parking garage near Broad & Fitzwater had plans for an addition several years back that never came to be

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

A 3-bed/2-bath home in East Passyunk Crossing recently hit the market for $650,000. This charming house captures what many buyers are looking for in South Philly in 2026, from the size to the parking to the look. After just weeks, a sale is pending. jackphillyre.substack.com/p/boho-chic-...

jackphillyre.substack.com

BoHo Chic East Passyunk Crossing Home is a Perfect Slice of South Philly

Pretty as a picture, this three-bed/two-bath home hit the market recently for $650,000 just blocks from E. Passyunk Ave.

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Lots of progress at the Commerce St. Connector, a pedestrian upgrade to a small section of pathway between Market St. and 4th St. Would love to see this ready sooner than later with all of the other updates on Market. Design is from Ground Reconsidered.

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Another office-to-residential conversion is planned at the Arnold T. Berman, MD Building at 219-25 N. Broad St. 90 units are coming to a building that has served as various office uses over the years. This is across from other residential reuse plans. jackphillyre.substack.com/p/drexel-med...

jackphillyre.substack.com

Drexel Medical Building on North Broad St. Will Turn to Residential

The Arnold T. Berman, MD Building will be the latest office-to-residential conversion in a city seeing more and more

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Found a hidden park no one knows about but me 👀

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Two gorgeous mosaics are proposed for Francis J. Myers Rec Center in SW Philly. One on the exterior and one for the interior, this Percent for Art proposal from artist Reginald C. Adams would completely transform the building, which is seeing other renovations as well.

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 04/04/2026

Today vs. two years ago at 2nd & Arch in Old City. Formerly home to Economy restaurant supply warehouse, this will soon be home to the Diplomat, a boutique hotel that will focus on group stays. Thoughts on the changes?

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

63 units over four floors received zoning permits for this project from the past. 1015 S. 3rd St. in Queen Village looks to be back after going through CDR in 2021. This residential-only project will feature no car parking next to the Wash. Ave. Connector. jackphillyre.substack.com/p/63-units-i...

jackphillyre.substack.com

63 Units in Queen Village See Permit After Years of Delays

After going through Civic Design Review in 2021, a multi-family project gets a zoning permit after a sale last year

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

The LOVE Park Visitors Center is seeing a revamp before it's reactivated in advance of this summer. While the changes aren't major, it could mean that we'll find out more about what's coming to the flying saucer-like building that's been empty for years. jackphillyre.substack.com/p/updates-to...

jackphillyre.substack.com

Updates to Love Park Visitor Center Could Mean Progress Ahead of Summer

The vacant, saucer-like building is seeing a change in advance of reactivation for the big summer of festivities to come

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

A far away look at the crane and core at Piazza Alta, which will bring another residential tower to the complex.

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Three adjacent surface parking lots are for sale on the Avenue of the Arts near Broad & Lombard. This 0.21-acre property is zoned CMX-4, meaning we could see something substantial in the future along this evolving corridor. What would you want to see? jackphillyre.substack.com/p/collection...

jackphillyre.substack.com

Collection of Surface Parking Lots for Sale on the Avenue of the Arts

The trio of properties near Broad & Lombard could be the next big development opportunity on a busy stretch

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

No fooling here: demo is imminent at 3rd & Cherry in Old City. Four luxury condos are slated to rise on the site of the beloved former restaurant, adding more density to one of our favorite commercial corridors.

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

66 rowhome and 99 parking spaces are planned for an awkward lot in far Northeast Philly. This complex still needs both CDR and ZBA approval, but it brings a little rowhome action to one of the more suburban parts of the city. Thoughts on the look? jackphillyre.substack.com/p/66-rowhome...

jackphillyre.substack.com

66 Rowhomes Planned for Large Lot in Far Northeast Philadelphia

The awkward property in Somerton could see a large rowhome development on a tucked-away parcel near the city's border

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Seven retail spaces along Market East received new zoning permits this week. These properties are part of the HBSE/Comcast plans and will see everything from retail to sit-down restaurants to "public entertainment space." What would you want to see? jackphillyre.substack.com/p/several-re...

jackphillyre.substack.com

Several Retail Spaces See Permits for Market East Refresh

The properties on the south side of the 900 block of Market St. appear to be the first of the planned retail/streetscape updates

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

33 S. 16th St. at 16th & Ranstead in Center City is now available for sale/lease. This Mid-Century building was updated in 2019 by MM Partners and is now listed by Metro CRE after the Wawa that was here closed in December 2024. What would you want to see go in this space?

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

New life science space, a shift in concept. two conversions, and a nice little $10 million grant take us into the weekend. So much happening across the real estate spectrum and we have a nice little summary for you as you watch some basketball. jackphillyre.substack.com/p/friday-fiv...

jackphillyre.substack.com

Friday Five: March 20th, 2026

Who needs March Madness when you have the excitement of Philadelphia real estate development to read about?

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Jack O’Brien @jackphillyre.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

It's official: a zoning permit for demo was issued last week for the Hotel Carlyle at 1423-25 Poplar St. in Francisville. A fire three years ago damaged the former boarding house turned hotel, which was famous for being a safe space for Black travelers during segregation.

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