Jack O’Brien
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jackphillyre.bsky.social
Jack O’Brien
@jackphillyre.bsky.social
America's Favorite Philadelphia Real Estate Development Writer™

https://jackphillyre.substack.com
Per @phillytrib.bsky.social, the intercity bus terminal will be back in action May 1st. Mayor Parker signed legislation that will return this to Chinatown this spring, getting this operating before the events of this summer. This ends years of stopgap solutions that were terrible for riders.
January 14, 2026 at 12:36 AM
Nick Sirianni: confirmed JackPhillyRE reader
January 13, 2026 at 8:59 PM
A coffee shop is coming to the corner of 12th & Chancellor to 210 S. 12th St. in the Gayborhood. No word yet on the specific tenant, but we're glad to see this commercial space filled along this burgeoning stretch of the neighborhood. What would you want to see here?
January 13, 2026 at 2:41 PM
A 1.4-acre industrial site is for sale amongst a sea of cars. This is across the river from the Bellwether District and across from a brand-new soil recycling plant. Is this a sign of a changing industrial district in SW Philly?

jackphillyre.substack.com/p/14-acre-in...
1.4-acre Industrial Site for Sale in Southwest Philly
A property directly across from a newly constructed soil recycling facility just hit the market for $4.5 million
jackphillyre.substack.com
January 12, 2026 at 6:14 PM
We check on progress at the 14 condos that are The Curator on Quarry Street in Old City. This luxury spot is moving fast now, and we have a bunch of new interior renderings of what's to come. Would you drop over a million on a spot here?

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Weekend Quickie: Progress for the Curator Condos in Old City
New construction and an adaptive reuse make progress on an adorable stretch of the neighborhood
jackphillyre.substack.com
January 11, 2026 at 7:35 PM
The intersection of E. York & Jasper in East Kensington maybe has maybe changed more than anywhere in Philly since 2009. Hundreds of new construction apartments have risen just a block from the York-Dauphin El station. How are you feeling about the change?
January 11, 2026 at 1:31 PM
1936 Washington Ave. is for sale for $9.2 million. Long the home to OCF Realty, Planet Fitness is filling the 2nd floor and Baker Street Bread Co. has also had space here. A mystery grocery store/butcher shop recently received permits, along with a sit-down/take-out restaurant.
January 10, 2026 at 9:27 PM
Weekend Five: January 10th, 2026

A day later than usual, but we tackle some recent listings, some recent sales, and an unfortunate closure of a street art venue. Get the lowdown on what's happening before this Wild Card Weekend.

jackphillyre.substack.com/p/weekend-fi...
Weekend Five: January 10th, 2026
A day later than usual, but we tackle some recent listings, some recent sales, and an unfortunate closure of a street art venue
jackphillyre.substack.com
January 10, 2026 at 6:10 PM
Recently completed, recently started, and in-progress projects complete our Vine St. focus. 150+ units are coming the sleepier northwestern corner of Old City. This will completely change the area, transforming the quiet vibe along Vine. Thoughts?

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More Action at the Northwest Corner of Old City
Recently completed, recently started, and in-progress projects complete our Vine St. focus on one of Philly's busiest streets
jackphillyre.substack.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:21 PM
Rendering vs. Reality: 2132 N. 10th St.

Six-stories, 35 units on a triangular lot that overlooks the Temple football practice field. One-bedroom units start just under $1,400/month for this building that just started leasing. Look is from DesignBlendz. Thoughts?
January 9, 2026 at 2:34 AM
UPDATE: this is now being marketed as a potential mixed-use purchase with ground-floor commercial use, with the price being reduced to $4.5 million. The Historical Commission also unanimously denied the owner's application to legalize the non-permitted work here. The intrigue!
2017 Sansom is for sale for $5 million. This three-bedroom spot has a *12* car garage and is slated to go to the Historical Commission to legalize the windows and doors that were installed without a permit or approval - oops! This carriage house was built in 1885.
January 8, 2026 at 7:52 PM
A 6-story, 35-unit apartment building at 208-12 Vine St. is at full height where a small industrial complex dating to the 1780s once stood. This is just one piece of a rapidly changing Old City, which has seen a wave of new construction along this stretch.

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Vertical Progress for Demolished 18th Century Complex in Old City
35 units are now at full height as Vine Street continues its wild transformation
jackphillyre.substack.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Zoning permits for a 495-car garage at 41st & Filbert were issued earlier today. This will serve as University Place 5.0 and will also include a small public garden and what looks to be a dog park (Img 3). It takes the place of a surface parking lot near the University Place complex.
January 7, 2026 at 9:34 PM
Reminder:
January 7, 2026 at 8:15 PM
The old Rite Aid at Fitzwater & E. Passyunk has permits for a four-story, 51-unit mixed-use building. This Queen Village property will see ground floor commercial & parking, though we have some concerns about the approach taken by the development team.

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51 Intriguing Units Planned for Former Rite Aid in Queen Village
The pharmacy at E. Passyunk & Fitzwater receives zoning permits for a four-story, mixed-use future from a familiar team
jackphillyre.substack.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Some big retail news for Center City - and don't fret, the office tower above shouldn't go up for sale anytime soon.
January 7, 2026 at 2:16 PM
To the tune of “Pink Pony Club”:

🎶 Pork Tenderloin 🎶
January 7, 2026 at 1:26 PM
A conceptual "Community Oasis" is planned at Broad & Spring Garden, and we sure hope it happens. While it won't be done this summer, we'd love to see the ugly parking lot here turn into something for the community after past proposals came and went.

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Hoping for a "Community Oasis" at N. Broad & Spring Garden
We review the $2.3-million park plans at this major intersection as the big 250th Anniversary year kicks off
jackphillyre.substack.com
January 6, 2026 at 10:56 PM
A new grocery/grill/coffee spot called Fresh Bites is coming to 1131-39 N. Front St. in Fishtown. We don't know much about the exact concept, but it will be around 1,700 sqft of space in The Magnet South, a relatively new, seven-story apartment building right next to the El.
January 6, 2026 at 3:35 PM
A Surreal Sight: we take a moment to visit the Painted Bride's demolition and reminisce, as Old City loses one of its institutions. 85 units, a restaurant will take the place of a building and entity that is sorely missed in the neighborhood already.

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A Surreal Sight: The Painted Bride's Demo is Nearly Complete
We stopped by the former arts & cultural center to see the demolition for ourselves
jackphillyre.substack.com
January 5, 2026 at 10:30 PM
After years of uncertainty, demo is almost complete at the Painted Bride at 230-36 Vine St. in Old City. After several plans came and went, 85 units across six floors will rise at the site of the former arts and performance center. It’s surreal seeing this building nearly gone.
January 5, 2026 at 6:58 PM
1,000+ new units and tons of retail have joined the intersection of Broad & Spring Garden over the years. This transit-accessible spot has exploded with activity, with plenty more happening on the adjacent blocks. There might be a new public space joining the NE corner in the coming years. Thoughts?
January 4, 2026 at 4:20 PM
The Step Outside crew hosts another awesome show bringing 100 of the best street art/graffiti artists in the city to 112 South St. They’re hosting opening events today, Jan. 2nd from 5-10pm and tomorrow, Jan. 3rd from 1-10pm, with the show sticking around until Jan 28th. Don’t sleep 😴
January 2, 2026 at 6:07 PM
I’m a bridge fan
January 1, 2026 at 11:31 PM
It’s been an incredibly personally trying 2025, but it’s taught me to appreciate each and every day more than ever before. Here’s to 2026 being your year.
December 31, 2025 at 11:31 PM