Jack O’Brien
@jackphillyre.bsky.social
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...
13 units over commercial are planned for East Kensington's coolest block. This four-story building at 2117 E. York St. may join a flush of awesome businesses nearby. This comes to us from a pair of familiar names, with a look from Canno Design.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/13-more-un...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/13-more-un...
13 More Units Coming to East Kensington's Coolest Block
A four-story, mixed-use building received zoning permits along a block-long stretch that you may never want to leave
jackphillyre.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:24 PM
13 units over commercial are planned for East Kensington's coolest block. This four-story building at 2117 E. York St. may join a flush of awesome businesses nearby. This comes to us from a pair of familiar names, with a look from Canno Design.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/13-more-un...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/13-more-un...
Some recent thoughts on what the future of Market East should look like.
To the city: my consulting fees would be wildly competitive if you're looking to bring on someone who actually uses/cares about the area in question 😇
To the city: my consulting fees would be wildly competitive if you're looking to bring on someone who actually uses/cares about the area in question 😇
November 6, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Some recent thoughts on what the future of Market East should look like.
To the city: my consulting fees would be wildly competitive if you're looking to bring on someone who actually uses/cares about the area in question 😇
To the city: my consulting fees would be wildly competitive if you're looking to bring on someone who actually uses/cares about the area in question 😇
UPDATE: Architect JKRP just announced this mixed-use project along South Broad St. will get started soon, with plans for this to be completed in 2027. This area has changed so much recently, and it looks like more is on the way.
Check the blog for the recent story, etc., etc.
Check the blog for the recent story, etc., etc.
We have new renderings for an 84-unit, mixed-use proposal at the former McDonald's at S. Broad & Carpenter. Residences over what looks like a restaurant and parking for 20 cars/28 bikes will head to SOSNA before going to CDR. Thoughts on the plans?
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/breaking-n...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/breaking-n...
November 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM
UPDATE: Architect JKRP just announced this mixed-use project along South Broad St. will get started soon, with plans for this to be completed in 2027. This area has changed so much recently, and it looks like more is on the way.
Check the blog for the recent story, etc., etc.
Check the blog for the recent story, etc., etc.
The former home of non-profit Intercultural Family Services is newly re-listed in Spruce Hill. But don't worry: the org. has a brand-new office directly across the street in a new construction building that joins hundreds of new units along the block.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/developmen...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/developmen...
Development Site Still for Sale in Rapidly Changing Spruce Hill
The former home of Intercultural Family Services is re-listed for $2.2 million - directly across from its new, larger home
jackphillyre.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:40 PM
The former home of non-profit Intercultural Family Services is newly re-listed in Spruce Hill. But don't worry: the org. has a brand-new office directly across the street in a new construction building that joins hundreds of new units along the block.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/developmen...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/developmen...
Reposted by Jack O’Brien
Macerich's CEO finally spoke about the Fashion District on their Q3 earnings call last night. He said their hands had been tied for years by the 76ers arena, but he's cautiously optimistic about the mall's future, especially as Mayor Parker focuses on Market East www.inquirer.com/real-estate/...
Fashion District owner is ‘cautiously optimistic’ on future of its Center City mall
The Macerich CEO broke his silence on the state of Market East's perennially troubled mall.
www.inquirer.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Macerich's CEO finally spoke about the Fashion District on their Q3 earnings call last night. He said their hands had been tied for years by the 76ers arena, but he's cautiously optimistic about the mall's future, especially as Mayor Parker focuses on Market East www.inquirer.com/real-estate/...
Landscaping is going in at a revamped Thomas Paine Plaza in Center City. Plans call for greater accessibility and the return of multi-purpose hardscaping so that this can remain a skateboarding spot moving forward. Photo courtesy of an intrepid friend of the bolg [sic].
November 5, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Landscaping is going in at a revamped Thomas Paine Plaza in Center City. Plans call for greater accessibility and the return of multi-purpose hardscaping so that this can remain a skateboarding spot moving forward. Photo courtesy of an intrepid friend of the bolg [sic].
The long-time home of Philadelphia Macaroni Co. has plans for an addition, 47 residential units at 11th & Catharine. Permits were issued after a trip to the Hist. Comm. to add this to the *national* register. Yet another sign of change in the area.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/addition-4...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/addition-4...
Addition, 47 Units Planned for Philadelphia Macaroni Co. Home
The long-time manufacturing plant/offices for the 121-year-old company receives permits for a residential conversion at 11th & Catharine
jackphillyre.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:28 PM
The long-time home of Philadelphia Macaroni Co. has plans for an addition, 47 residential units at 11th & Catharine. Permits were issued after a trip to the Hist. Comm. to add this to the *national* register. Yet another sign of change in the area.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/addition-4...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/addition-4...
Moody views from a rainy night on South Broad St.
November 4, 2025 at 1:44 AM
Moody views from a rainy night on South Broad St.
A six-story, 22-unit building received permits near 50th & Market in West Philly. This project can proceed by right thanks to a recent zoning change, allowing more density near transit. Oh, and this has zero car parking. Design is from DesignBlendz.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/22-units-p...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/22-units-p...
22 Units Proposed Near 50th & Market in West Philly
A six-story, mixed-use building received zoning permits right next to the Market-Frankford Line
jackphillyre.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:14 PM
A six-story, 22-unit building received permits near 50th & Market in West Philly. This project can proceed by right thanks to a recent zoning change, allowing more density near transit. Oh, and this has zero car parking. Design is from DesignBlendz.
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/22-units-p...
jackphillyre.substack.com/p/22-units-p...
Old City update: The empty lot at 239 Chestnut St. is still for sale (now for $1.3M) and permits indicate the site will be totally cleared and backfilled - what the hell is going on with this prime development spot? More background in the quoted article.
November 3, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Old City update: The empty lot at 239 Chestnut St. is still for sale (now for $1.3M) and permits indicate the site will be totally cleared and backfilled - what the hell is going on with this prime development spot? More background in the quoted article.