Design : Development News

I-95 is one of the country’s most prolific highways, running between Maine and Florida. For the most part the highway runs uninterrupted, except for a small gap in the Trenton, NJ-area. With this in mind, a movement to remove the highway from the Delaware River waterfront landscape between the Ben Franklin and Walt Whitman Bridges is gaining steam. The idea of reclaiming the city’s waterfront by removing the highway, or merely burying it, was discussed at the Re-Imagining Urban Highways forum last week at the Academy of Natural Sciences.

Speakers at Re-Imagining Urban Highways came from across the country, and represented the municipal, academic, and journalistic spheres. They include Aaron Naparstek of the transportation planning website StreetsBlog, Peter Park of Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, Thomas Deller of Providence, RI’s Department of Planning and Development, and Ashwan Balakrishnan with the South Bronx River Watershed Alliance. They discussed successful and current efforts to remove urban highways around the world, and the realized and potential benefits of removal.  

The final two speakers were Diana Lind, the editor in chief of Next American City, and Andrew Stober, the Chief of Staff for Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation and Utilities, both of whom gave a local perspective. Lind was the chief proponent of creating a dialogue about removing or burying I-95, as she cited other highways and arterials that motorists could detour on to avoid the highway. Unfortunately, some of these highways are as far away as South Jersey and the western suburbs. Lind revealed that she’ll be circulating a petition to PennDOT in favor of altering I-95 this week.  

As one of the most influential people in Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation and Utilities, Stober had one of the evening's more interesting points of view. While willing to discuss the merits of burying or removing I-95, he concentrated on other improvements that could be made to the city and region’s transportation network. Stober’s main focus was on mass transit, which he called “an incredible endowment from previous generations.” He showcased the city’s proposals for Columbus Blvd., which include a light-rail line running down the median.

Stober preferred to concentrate on transit access because it “gives us more bang for the buck than dealing with the highway.” The chief of staff also lamented the unwillingness of some state and federal lawmakers to fund transportation and infrastructure, given that it’s not a glamorous topic for many voters. He cited the multitude of constituent feedback to puppy mill legislation, and compared it to the relative silence from voters on transportation legislation. Apparently, bridges and trains will never be as cute as pug and Labrador puppies.   

Writer: Andy Sharpe
Source: Andrew Stober, Philadelphia Office of Transportation and Utilities

Old theaters, churches, bridgs historic sites and cemeteries were among those earning 2012 Preservation Achievement Awards from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.

The Preservation Alliance will present its Grand Jury Awards to 17 regional restoration and revitalization projects at its 19th annual Preservation Achievement Awards luncheon on May 8 at the Crystal Tea Room in the Wanamaker Building.

Danilo Vicencio of Vicencio Architects had two projects earn awards, including a property at 1824 Diamond Street and another North Philly project with Power House Development, Inc., at 431 N. 39th Street.

Also, the James Biddle Award, one of the Special Recognition Awards recognizing lifetime achievement in historic preservation, will go to West Chester University Professor Emeritus of History and American Studies Richard J. Webster. The distinguished teacher and author's books inlucde Philadelphia Preserved: The Catalog of the Historic American Buildings Survey.

"The range of award winners this year demonstrates the important role that historic preservation has in the economy of the Philadelphia region and the revitalization of neighborhoods," says Preservation Alliance Executive Director John Andrew Gallery in a news release.

Here's a full list of award winners:

GRAND JURY AWARDS
(project, address, owner, architect)

1824 Diamond Street
1824 Diamond Street, Philadelphia
Power House Development, Incorporated
Danilo Vicencio
 
2307 St. Albans Place
2307 St. Albans Place, Philadelphia
F. Scott Donahue
David S. Traub & Associates

431 N. 39th Street Triplex
431 N. 39th Street, Philadelphia
Power House Development, Incorporated
Danilo Vicencio

Arch Street United Methodist Church Window
55 North Broad Street, Philadelphia
Arch Street United Methodist Church
Atkin Olshin Schade Architects

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul
18th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
VITETTA

Curtis Institute of Music Lenfest Hall
1616 Locust Street, Philadelphia
Curtis Institute of Music
Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates, Inc.

George A. Weiss Pavilion at Franklin Field
233 S. 33rd Street, Philadelphia
University of Pennsylvania
Crawford Architects

Independence Hall Tower
Independence Square, Philadelphia
City of Philadelphia
Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype, Inc.

Mariposa Food Co-op - Belmont Trust Company Building
4824 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia
Mariposa Food Co-op
Re:Vision Architecture

Medallion Garden
3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia
Laurel Hill Cemetery
KSK Architects Planners Historians, Inc.

PennDOT District 6-0 Bridge Rehabilitations
Cope's Bridge Strasburg Road (SR 0162) over Branch of Brandywine Creek
Hares Hill Bridge Hares Hill Road (SR 1045) over French Creek
Henry Avenue Bridge Henry Avenue (SR 4001) over Wissahickon Creek Lincoln Dr.
Rapps Dam Covered Bridge Rapps Dam Road (SR 1049) over French Creek

Saint Francis de Sales Church
4625 Springfield Avenue, Philadelphia
Saint Francis de Sales Parish
Historic Building Architects, LLC

Shane Candies
110 Market Street, Philadelphia
Franklin Fountain LLC
Owners Re

Smithville Park Houses
8 & 9 Park Avenue and 34 Maple Avenue, Eastampton, NJ
Burlington County, Department of Resource
Conservation, Division of Parks
Wu & Associates, Inc.

Termini Brothers Bakery
1523 S. 8th Street, Philadelphia
Termini Brothers Bakery
Materials Conservation Collaborative, LLC

West Chester University Recitation Hall
35 West Rosedale Avenue, West Chester
West Chester University of Pennsylvania of the State System of Higher Education, Facilities
Design and Construction Department
Klein and Hoffman, Inc.

World Cafe Live at the Queen Theater
500 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE
Buccini/Pollin Group
Homsey Architects

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS
THE JAMES BIDDLE AWARD 
for lifetime achievement in historic preservation
Richard J. Webster, PhD

PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
for preservation in the public interest
The Athenaeum of Philadelphia

RHODA AND PERMAR RICHARDS AWARD
for service to the Preservation Alliance
Architectural Walking Tour volunteer guides

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AWARD
for exceptional contributions to historic preservation
Ruth and Mansfield Bascom

COMMUNITY ACTION AWARDS
for achievement by community organizations
Friends of Mt. Moriah Cemetery  For efforts to maintain and improve Mt. Moriah Cemetery

Strawberry Mansion CDC and Strawberry Mansion NAC  For successful efforts to retain the historic character of the Strawberry Mansion trolley barn

SPECIAL 100th ANNIVERSARY RECOGNITION
Bucks County Historical Society  On the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of Henry Mercer’s home, Fonthill

AIA PHILADELPHIA AWARDS
2012 AIA Philadelphia Landmark Building Award
Vanna Venturi House, Venturi and Rauch, 1962

The Henry J. Magaziner EFAIA Award
To be announced

If you’ve savored some French cuisine at Bibou, inhaled some hot chocolate at Rim Café, or purchased a wedge of cheese from DiBruno Brothers, you know that South Philly’s Italian Market is a delicious neighborhood.

How would you like to live next to the Italian Market? In fact, you might be able to find a sustainable townhouse in the Italian Market neighborhood later this year, as CITYSPACE Realty is selling four soon-to-be-built sustainable townhomes.

Rachel Reilly, a listing agent for CITYSPACE, anticipates construction to begin on the Olive Townhomes in four to six weeks. As has been the trend with some new residential construction in Philadelphia, the townhomes will be built using modular construction. “Since these homes are modular instead of stick-built, the first phase of construction begins in a controlled warehouse setting, and then the boxes are delivered and stacked on site,” explains Reilly. She says that the construction period will last for four months, with construction of the final three units hinging on how quickly they go off the market.

One of the most notable features of Olive Townhomes will be its minimal footprint on the environment. Reilly makes it clear that she expects the townhomes to be certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold, which is the second highest LEED certification possible. According to the agent, the development will be the first LEED Gold multi-unit complex in Bella Vista. The environmentally friendly features that are planned include Energy Star appliances, bamboo flooring, low VOC (volatile organic compound) paint, and roofs that can accommodate solar panels. 

Reilly adds that the location itself, on the 800-block of Carpenter St., is sustainable because of its walkability and access to mass transit. “It's steps to a slew of great restaurants (many of the BYOs), the Italian Market, great coffee shops, boutiques, and public transportation,” she exclaims. In addition it’s a manageable walk to and from Passyunk Avenue shops. Nearby mass transit options include the Routes 23, 47, and 47M buses, along with the Broad Street Subway. 

The three biggest townhomes will be 2,690 square feet apiece, each containing 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. Each townhome will include four stories, with an outdoor patio, large windows, and the option of adding a fireplace. The fourth townhome will be 2,540 sq. ft., with a basement, deck, and fireplace. The four townhomes will surround a lush outdoor courtyard. Single-car parking will be on-site for two of the residences, while the other two townhomes will have parking at a lot a block away. CITYSPACE’s Rachel Reilly is listing the property along with Sarah Robertson. 

Writer: Andy Sharpe
Source: Rachel Reilly, CITYSPACE Realty

The Roots are officially coming home.

At a press conference last week, the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program announced The Roots Mural Project will live at 6th and South Streets in the Headhouse District where the band was founded.

The mural will tell the story of The Roots, especially Ahmir ?uestlove Thompson and Tariq Black Thought Trotter's founding of the group.

The artistic team was also announced. The Amber Design Collective team features Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, David Guinn, Ernel Martinez, Charles Barbin, Willis Humphrey and Keir Johnston. The Roots Mural will be across the street from the Mural Arts mural Mapping Courage: Honoring the Legacy of WEB Dubois and Engine 11, which was painted by Humphrey.

The design will be finalized in the spring, when mural painting will begin. The mural is expected to be dedicated in October, which is Mural Arts Month.

 

 

Courtesy of the Roots and the Mural Arts Program

The national Rails-to-Trails Conservancy held a trails forum at Rutgers Camden this past Friday in conjunction with Cooper's Ferry Partnership and the William Penn Foundation. The forum, a local byproduct of Rails-to-Trails' Urban Pathways Initiative (UPI), concentrated on the need for bicycle and pedestrian trails in Camden. The forum comes in the throes of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission's (DVRPC's) Regional Trails Program, which awarded money to Camden in mid-December.

While there's potential for a number of new trails in Camden, DVRPC awarded $150,000 towards the design phase of the Baldwin's Run Tributary Trail, says Chris Linn, manager in DVRPC's Office of Environmental Planning. Meishka Mitchell, the Vice President of Neighborhood Initiatives at Cooper's Ferry Partnership, hopes to "daylight" the Baldwin's Run tributary, which forms from the Delaware River and runs through the Cramer Hill neighborhood of Camden. By "daylighting," Mitchell means unearthing the tributary, which was filled with dirt in the 1960s, by creating a trail out of it.

The Baldwin's Run Tributary is now the site of Von Neida Park, which is Cramer Hill's most sizeable park. Usually a park connotes positive things for a neighborhood, but things aren't always as they seem in Cramer Hill. In fact, Cooper's Ferry complains that the park is prone to flooding, illegal activity, and a lack of upkeep. Flooding is the most dire woe, as nearby homeowners are left waterlogged after many storms. The flooding stems from the filling-in of the creek, which Mitchell's CDC hopes to rectify by removing the dirt and turning the body of water into a trail and drainage area.  
 
Mitchell is convinced of the plentiful benefits that trails can have for impoverished Cramer Hill. While it wasn't funded during the first phase of the Regional Trails Program, she is optimistic that a trail will be built along the Cooper River. She says a trail here could generate as much as $600 million for the city, expand its tax base, and help re-develop its brownfields, of which there are many. There is currently zero public access to the Cooper River in Cramer Hill. 

The vice president is happy with how the Urban Pathways forum went. "The event has helped to raise awareness on critical missing links, economic development, and neighborhood restoration," lauds Mitchell. The forum consisted of five sessions, which discussed how trails in Camden and its older brother across the Delaware River can connect, waterfront trail facilitation, how trails promote public health, teaching youth about trails, and funding trails.   

Writer: Andy Sharpe
Sources: Meishka Mitchell, Cooper's Ferry Partnership and Chris Linn, DVRPC

For the past few decades, a mammoth building has sat decomposing on South Broad St., in a neighborhood that has otherwise been a beacon for redevelopment. This building is the former Third Regiment Armory at Broad and Wharton, which was last used by the National Guard in the 1980s. Since that time, the building has lay relatively dormant, embroiled in a dispute between the state Department of General Services and the local Tolentine Community Center and Development Corporation. Yet, state Senator Larry Farnese is hoping to change this, and spur redevelopment of the building.

Farnese recently authored Senate Bill 1368, which calls on the state to give Tolentine more control over the Armory by removing onerous restrictions. Tony Mannino, chief of staff for Sen. Farnese, says that the state Department of General Services mandated that the Armory could only be used for community services and could not be sold. Thus, the state senator wants to see these restrictions removed.

According to Mannino, one of the main problems with the Armory is that Tolentine doesn't have the money to adequately fix it up. "The condition of the building is so bad," admits Mannino. This includes the floors on the Broad St.-side of the building, which have partially collapsed. Ostensibly, the state didn't even grasp how poor the condition of the building was. "The building is in a more deteriorated condition than the Department of General Services had previously understood it to be," Mannino adds. 

Still, Farnese's office says the building is structurally sound to the best of their knowledge. Tolentine Community Center has been working with the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections in recent years, and made substantial repairs to the Armory's roof in early 2011. 

While Farnese wants to clear a path to re-development for the Third Regiment Armory, there has yet to be a solid plan as to what the rebirth should look like. "We want a re-development consistent with good use for the community," says Mannino. Mannino offers a revelation when he says the parcel seems to be zoned R-10A, which means residential. So, parties will likely have to pursue a variance for anything else. 

Apparently, Farnese's office has only had preliminary meetings with the Passyunk Square Civic Association and South Broad Street Neighbors about the Armory so far. They're currently concentrating on getting SB 1368 passed in the state Senate and House, so thoughts of how specifically to redevelop the space will have to come later. The bottom line is, Farnese is "trying to balance the interests of the community, state, and Tolentine," says Mannino. Hopefully, this balance will lead to further re-development on S. Broad sooner rather than later. 

Writer: Andy Sharpe
Source: Tony Mannino, Sen. Farnese's Office

Since 1889, the intersection of Grays Ferry Ave. and Fitzwater St has been graced by a church. For decades, the St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church occupied the crossroads, until the Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church moved in soon after the start of this century. Yet, Greater St. Matthew recently had to sell the building, which might mark its conclusion as a place of worship. In fact, Center City developer Ben Weinraub is looking to convert the church into luxury apartments.

Weinraub, the owner of Vintage Residential Management, is keen on "adaptively re-using" the church to create one- and a few two-bedroom apartments. This means "saving the interior and exterior [of the holy place] as much as possible," he points out. One way in which Weinraub hopes to do this is by carving a patio out of the roof and parapits. He also seeks to utilize the former church's tower as an overlook space, although that would depend on the fire code. 

The building is comprised of two facilities, which are the erstwhile sanctuary and rectory of the church. The developer is proposing 29 apartments to be built where the sanctuary used to stand and eight apartments where the rectory was housed. Weinraub is currently hoping to get a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) for converting the sanctuary into apartments. 

The developer is passionate about maintaining the character of the holy place. He endeavors to use a great deal of stone in constructing the apartments, and hopes to create wrought iron balconies. Weinraub is also skeptical about creating off-street parking for the units. Some neighbors have suggested he include basement parking, although that would mean he would have to significantly alter the interior of the building, thus hindering the efforts to preserve the church's character. 

In lieu of parking, Vintage Management hopes to encourage residents to bike, carshare, and walk. Weinraub hopes to invite PhillyCarShare and Zipcar to turn two of the old church's anointed parking spaces into pods. He also hopes to provide ample bike storage. In addition, the developer anticipates that many residents will be graduate students or workers in University City, meaning a relatively short pedestrian commute over the South St. Bridge.       

Writer: Andy Sharpe
Source: Ben Weinraub, Vintage Property Management

The Philadelphia Zoo might be the nation’s oldest zoo, but it’s ahead of its time when it comes to sustainability.

The zoo began work a few months ago on a new LEED-certified, indoor children’s zoo called the Hamilton Family Children’s Zoo and Education Center, which will house animals hard to find at U.S. zoos. In addition to rare animal breeds, the zoo hopes to include animals that are currently, or are likely to be, affected by climate change.

The zoo is planning to offer a panoply of exotic animals for children, some of which will teach lessons about environmental decay. "There will be a great variety [of animals], providing opportunity for our youngest visitors to engage with animals," reports Dr. Andy Baker, the zoo’s chief operating officer. These animals will represent rare breeds of livestock, sheep, goats, and miniature horses. According to Baker, the youth zoo will also emphasize animals affected by climate change, such as Australian parakeets, tropical butterflies and fish, high-elevation frogs, ants, and even dreaded rats.

The Hamilton addition will include the first LEED-certified zoo building in Pennsylvania. Baker is excited about the zoo’s environmentally friendly approach to teaching children. First of all, he says the project will be sustainable because it will re-use an existing structure, the former pachyderm house. While some new structures will have to be built, they will come equipped with green roofs. Third of all, the children’s center will include a "significant geothermal field" for heating and air conditioning, says Baker. Finally, the facility will utilize rain gardens, and re-use graywater for restrooms.

Baker also hopes to make the new children’s zoo accessible to all types of children, including those with communications and physical disabilities. "Signage will include pictures for autistic kids," says Baker. He also assures that Braille and sign language will be made available for children who are visually- or aurally-impaired. The children’s zoo and education center will also be situated near the entrance of the zoo, which makes it more convenient for children in wheelchairs. Baker makes sure to add that this is part of the zoo’s "tremendous ambition" to enable children to interact with animals.

Expect the Hamilton Family Children’s Zoo and Education Center to open in April, 2013. Baker believes construction will wrap up late this year or early next year, with the remaining few months devoted to opening preparation. Sustainability as it relates to animals and humans will be a central theme, as Baker promises it will include lessons on how people can recycle and use water and energy efficiently.

Writer: Andy Sharpe
Source: Dr. Andy Baker, Philadelphia Zoo

Francisville continues to be a hot neighborhood for development, situated between Center City and Temple University with convenient access to the Broad St. Subway. The latest construction will be a 35-unit condominium complex at 19th and Poplar by local developer Michael Loonstyn. Loonstyn received support from the Francisville Neighborhood Development Corporation (FNDC) and permission from the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) last week, and looks to be ready to start building in May.

Loonstyn, owner of MJL Properties, will be erecting a four-story condo building along 19th St. between Poplar and Parrish Sts. According to Loonstyn, there will be a 100-seat restaurant on the first floor with indoor and outdoor seating. At this point, Loonstyn is unsure of what kind of restaurant will be put in, although he said it will likely serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

The fourth level of the development will consist of roof decks, which promise an impressive view of Center City. “The property Loonstyn development is working on is at the highest point in the surrounding area,” points out Seth Trance, the design chair for FNDC’s Zoning Committee. He adds that it’s the acme of an area that includes all of Center City and much of North Philadelphia.

The developer re-assures the FNDC that the condo complex will be sustainable. It will include “green roofs, impervious pavers, and trees around,” says Loonstyn. In addition, there will only be 21 designated parking spaces for the 35 units, encouraging residents to use sustainable forms of transportation. To make up for the limited parking, Loonstyn has plans for bike storage. The new homes will also have a Route 33 bus stop right outside, which provides frequent service to Center City. Despite his interest in sustainability, the developer concedes that the condos will not be LEED-certified.

The development sits on an underdeveloped stretch of 19th St., not far from Girard Ave., Girard College, and St. Joe’s Prep. It is one of two triangles, created by the diagonal streets that set Francisville apart from other neighborhoods with grid streets, along 19th that are ripe for redevelopment. There is currently a forsaken building on the site. Loonstyn says he will have to “demolish the entire structure that currently exists.” Some reports have said the site is contaminated with lead, although the developer says he conducted a study that refutes that.

Loonstyn’s development was met with some questions about parking from FNDC members, but received an overwhelming 102 to 24 vote in favor from the community group. He expects to begin work on May 1, with construction lasting about a year. Each unit will take up 990-1,200 square feet. When the condos are ready for sale, Loonstyn anticipates a price tag in the high $100,000s or low $200,000s. 

Writer: Andy Sharpe
Source: Michael Loonstyn

For decades, Manayunk and Chestnut Hill have dominated Northwest Philly’s business development scene with their vibrant commercial corridors. However, a new player is emerging as a destination for shoppers and diners: Roxborough, and the burgeoning Ridge Ave. corridor, is seeing an influx of new businesses, streetscape improvements, and historic preservation in its surrounding neighborhood.

The Roxborough Development Corporation (RDC) has played a vital role in the resurgence of Ridge Ave. James Calamia, the operations manager at the RDC, is excited about the new businesses that are slated to open this year. Most notably, the popular beer distributor and gourmet deli The Foodery just purchased the RDC’s erstwhile office on the avenue west of Green Lane. Calamia is proud to report that this will be The Foodery’s largest location yet. He says the current drawings, which are always subject to change, have fridges filled with beer wrapping around the entire store and plentiful seating.

While The Foodery won’t open until May at the earliest, a number of new businesses have opened in the past three months or will be opening shortly. Calamia says that Blackbird House Antiques at Ridge and Shawmont, Giovanni’s Child Care at Ridge and Leverington, and TD Bank at Ridge and Hermit have all opened in the past three months. Another new business, Kitch-N Collectibles, is planning on opening very shortly across from RDC’s old office. Kitch-N Collectibles is actually re-locating to Roxborough from Manayunk.

While business development is a massive part of the equation in Roxborough, the RDC points out that the neighborhood is also benefitting from historic preservation efforts. Calamia relays that the community was just awarded a $30,000 grant from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia to rehabilitate “gothic houses” on Lyceum Ave. and Green Ln, only a block away from the Ridge corridor. This is a means to “help build and grow Roxborough’s unique persona,” says Calamia.

Roxborough is also benefiting from a $2.2 million grant from the city to make streetscape enhancements along Ridge Ave. According to Calamia, this will result in smoother sidewalks, better lighting, and new planters. He believes these improvements will lead to a “new foundation for Roxborough and the whole area.” “It will make the area more walkable and improve aesthetics,” Calamia adds. Depending on weather conditions, he anticipates the streetscape enhancements will be finished during the summer.

The RDC alludes to more exciting development along Ridge Ave. in the years to come. Calamia says Planet Fitness has expressed interest in the shuttered Golden Chrysler dealership, which would be the discount gym’s first location in Northwest Philadelphia. He also says the RDC might be looking to add a park around the intersection of Ridge and Leverington Aves. Finally, the operations director intimates that the former bank at Ridge and Green Ln. might soon be re-developed. He says someone just purchased the historic building, which is known for the sculpted owls on its roof. 

Writer: Andy Sharpe
Source: James Calamia, Roxborough Development Corporation

Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran have just expanded their empire on 13th St. in Midtown Village with the opening of Jamonera, a Spanish tapas bar, this past Sunday. Jamonera, located between Chestnut and Sansom Sts., will serve small and medium-sized plates, wines, and sherries, inspired by the duo's recent travel to Southern Spain. The restaurant will be open for dinner and post-dinner patrons.  

The opening of Jamonera at 105 S. 13th St. solidifies Turney and Safran's imprint on the entire block. They began with a home and gift store called Open House at 107 S. 13th back in 2002. Since then, their passion for the street and Midtown Village has gushed forward with the opening of five other stores and restaurants. At 101, there's Grocery market and catering, while 106 houses Lolita, a Mexican dining option. 108 is home to Verde, a jewelry and gift shop, while 110 finds Barbuzzo, a Mediterranean bar.

Jamonera offers a wealth of culinary options, with all the flair you'd expect from Spain. "Guests can expect to enjoy banderillas of olives, boquerones and guindilla peppers, and crispy calasparra rice with heirloom pumpkin," says Valerie Safran. Other menu items include lamb skewers and cucina. Safran says the tapas plates run from $4 to $36, and are all meant to be shared. 

While the food options are sure to elicit salivation, the drink options are equally impressive. "We've selected a group of wines that we believe are the best expression of Spain's terroir, with earthy reds and bright, crisp whites ideally suited to sipping alongside the varied flavors of the food," describes Safran. Along with the wines, Jamonera serves an enviable selection of sherries.

Both Safran and Turney bemoan the former lack of a genuine tapas restaurant in Midtown Village. They highlight the rich flavors and relaxed atmosphere that accompany tapas restaurants. To best mimic the vibe of a Spanish tapas bar, the entrepreneurs teamed up with Urban Space Development. Together, they decided to festoon the tapas bar with Rioja-colored wood and reddish lighting. They also installed old-fashioned mirrors and intricate wood chandeliers.

The owners are proud of all the work they've done for their block of 13th St. "We love that we've helped transform 13th Street into a destination for the city," says Safran. She points out that the neighborhood was deemed far from appealing by many when she and her business partner opened their first business, but has come a long way. The entrepreneurs' love of their street is palpable on-line as well, where they run a website called "We love 13th Street," which helps link their panoply of stores and restaurants.

Writer: Andy Sharpe
Sources: Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney, Jamonera

Hope St. between Palmer and Cecil B. Moore in South Kensington is currently cloaked in abandonment, aside from the trash and weeds that call the block home. Yet, the street may finally live up to its name, as Independents Hall, the popular Philly coworking space, is looking to construct a sustainable cohabitation space between Hope and Howard Sts. This house, called a "K'House,” just received the blessing from the South Kensington Community Partners neighborhood group at a meeting on Thursday, and now awaits an endorsement from the local city councilwoman and the City Planning Commission.

Indy Hall has teamed up with the noted sustainable construction pioneers Postgreen Homes and the architectural firm Digsau to build the K'House. Postgreen plans to build six housing units, designed for both romantic couples and roommates. Each unit will come equipped with its own kitchen and living quarters. Yet, the real story lies in all the shared space between the units, which will be comprised of an industrial kitchen and dining area, a media center, a basement, and a roof deck with a Center City vista. 

As with other Postgreen projects, sustainability will be a guiding principle in the construction of the K'House. This means the house will include "super insulated walls, triple pane windows, Energy Star appliances, high efficiency HVAC, low-flow water fixtures, [and] low VOC [Volatile Organic Compounds] everything,” says Chad Ludeman, the president of Postgreen. Ludeman adds that the location was purposely chosen for its proximity to SEPTA's Berks El stop and walkability. Thus, along with the sustainable elements on the inside, the house will also promote sustainable transportation.

Postgreen and Indy Hall feel as though South Kensington is an ideal neighborhood for the K'House. Ludeman, who lives in the community himself, says that residents can walk to either Northern Liberties or Fishtown, or take a relatively quick train ride to Center City and University City. In addition, "this neighborhood is very much an up-and-coming fringe neighborhood that has passionate residents, both old and new,” points out Ludeman. Finally, Postgreen's president lauds South Kensington for its safety and affordability.

The developers' recent experience with the South Kensington Community Partners only served to bolster their morale in the community. Ludeman is happy to report that the preponderance of feedback from the meeting was supportive or neutral of the K'House, even though the plans call for further density with no further parking. There were some queries about street lighting and fallback plans if the K'House hits a snag, as residents wanted to see the developers' maintain a long-term presence in their neighborhood. Indy Hall's Alex Hillman says that they will continue to listen to their neighbors.

Ludeman is happy with the reaction from the Community Partners, but is already tracing the Postgreen's and Indy Hall's next steps. He says they will next pursue the support of their local councilwoman, Maria Quinones Sanchez, and the City Planning Commission. After that, he anticipates going in front of the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) to get a variance for type of use, a shortage on the open space requirement, and lack of parking. For those of you looking for a place to live, the good news is Indy Hall is still accepting applications to join the K'House.

Writer: Andy Sharpe
Sources: Chad Ludeman, Postgreen Homes and Alex Hillman, Independents Hall

For those who drive on or around I-95 in Port Richmond and/or Fishtown, it's time to face the inevitable. After decades of shin-splintering abuse from cars, trucks, and buses, the highway and its surrounding streets will have to be re-constructed. This construction has already begun on Richmond St, which is a popular highway detour and neighborhood street in Port Richmond.

PennDOT's ambitious efforts to improve Richmond Street are now underway. Elaine Elbich, PennDOT's project manager for the highway re-construction, says that Richmond St. will be made more practical to drive, bike, or walk along, and more beautiful to look at. She says the street will be widened to accommodate one auto lane in both directions, one bicycle lane in both directions, and a center turn lane. This work is necessitated by new access points to I-95 from Richmond that will be built during the course of the interstate's overhaul.

Elbich also points out that Richmond St.'s aesthetic appeal is a top priority of the transportation department. This includes enhanced lighting and the planting of new trees. There will also be an intriguing public art component to this, which the Port Richmond community insisted upon. Elbich says the community decided to showcase the fabled Cramp heavy metal shipyard building, which ironically was demolished to make way for a new highway interchange with Richmond. According to the project manager, PennDOT is working with the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation to identify an artist.

PennDOT is currently in the very preliminary stages of its work on both Richmond St. and I-95. At the moment, they're removing the SEPTA trolley wire and boring through soil at the site of Conrail bridges that will eventually be replaced. As for the interstate, Elbich says that construction will commence in early autumn at the earliest. The highway lane closures that drivers despise might go into effect early next year, although they will be confined to overnight, weekend, and possibly off-peak midday periods.

Chuck Davies, PennDOT's assistant district executive for design, underscores just how hungry the highway is to be re-constructed. "There are long-standing safety problems on the highway connected to the geometry of interchanges,” advises Davies. Furthermore, the age of I-95 is a driving force behind the need for repair. Davies points out that some of Southeastern Pennsylvania's most severely structurally deficient bridges rust along 95.

The good news for motorists is that PennDOT will have multiple avenues of keeping drivers informed during the construction on Richmond St. and I-95. The department maintains a website called 95revive.com, which features primers on the various stages of the project, current construction, traffic conditions, and a construction newsletter. Also, drivers, or better yet passengers, can call 511 to receive traffic information. For those drivers who don't have hands-free phones, variable message boards, travel time readers, and other Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) will be employed on I-95.

Sources: Elaine Elbich and Chuck Davies, PennDOT
Writer: Andy Sharpe

Now that it's finally turned cold, are you desperately searching for something fun to do? If you are, you might want to think about a round of miniature golf.

That's right, Linvilla Orchards now offers indoor miniature golf. Yet, Delaware County's newest mini golf course is about so much more than hitting a ball into a hole, as Linvilla worked with the Academy of Natural Sciences to turn every hole into a lesson about the environment around us.

Linvilla's course, called Fore! The Planet, stands out for its scientific theme. This means every one of the course's 19 holes conveys a lesson about the Earth's environment and the organisms that inhabit it. Think of each hole as a textbook, with the golf club serving as a bookmark. The ball, on the other hand, represents different things depending on the hole. The layout includes a hole where the ball is a bat following sonar, a hole about landfills where the ball is supposed to be garbage, and a hole about water pollution with water traps denoting brackish water.

Rob Ferber, the senior manager at the orchards, enjoys hole No. 8 the most. This hole is "Predator and Prey,” where the ball is a rolling metaphor for a fly trying to elude its predators and find a safe place to lay eggs. Ferber is amused at this hole's sound effects. He's quick to point out that one of the fly's predators, the frog, has a decoy hole that spits the ball out and makes a frog noise. To Ferber, the course consists of "museum exhibits" that are reflective of Linvilla's work with the Academy of Natural Sciences. 

This course is also unique because it's one of only two public mini golf courses in Delaware County. It's also one of only a few indoor mini golf courses in the Philadelphia area. It represents a fresh idea and a fresh partnership for what many consider to be the Delaware Valley's most famous orchard. Linvilla has been known for its apple, pumpkin, and Christmas tree picking for decades, but never for golf. It's also emblematic of a new collaboration between the orchard and the Academy of Natural Sciences, which also has no prior experience with mini golf. 

Fore! The Planet, opened the day after Christmas, and has proven very popular. "It's been a big hit, especially the first week when kids were out of school,” confirms Ferber. He adds that Fore! has proven popular with adults as well, probably elated to see a miniature golf course open during the winter. Ferber makes sure to add that some of these adults take their golf quite seriously, as they have come bearing their own clubs.

Source: Rob Ferber
Writer: Andy Sharpe