73-Unit Building Proposed on Vacant Lot in Port Richmond

2201 East Tioga Street Rendering - Designblendz
2201 East Tioga Street Rendering – Designblendz

Back in March of 2021, we told you about a 35-unit adaptive reuse project that was underway on the border of Port Richmond at Harrowgate in an old chocolate factory at 2215 East Tioga Street. Right across Sepviva Street from the adaptive reuse project, another significant residential project is being planned on a large vacant lot at 2201 East Tioga Street.

Developers are proposing a 4-story, 62,825 square foot building with 73 residential units and 62 parking spaces on the 31,297 square foot, ICMX-zoned parcel. Renderings and details about the project were released in anticipation of the development team’s hearing with the Civic Design Review (CDR) on July 5th.

2201 East Tioga Street
2201 East Tioga Street
2201 East Tioga Street Rendering - Designblendz
2201 East Tioga Street Rendering – Designblendz

The building will be clad in red brick, Hardieplank panels, and Hardieplank lap siding. The design seems to be inspired by some of the old industrial buildings in the neighborhood with a modern flair added and compliments the chocolate factory next door nicely. The parking entrance and exit will be located along Sepviva Street while the Witte Street side will be lined with trees to block the view of the parking area.

As this property is zoned for industrial use, the development team will need a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) in order to proceed with their plans. Currently, their hearing with the ZBA is scheduled for October 5th. The CDR packet mentions that this project will have some kind of affordable component, but there are not a ton of details available about this aspect of the plan. We imagine more details will become available when the development team meets with the neighborhood.

2201 East Tioga Street Floor Plan
2201 East Tioga Street Floor Plan – 1st Floor
2201 East Tioga Street Rendering - Designblendz
2201 East Tioga Street Rendering – Designblendz

We’re a big fan of adding residential density in this section of Philadelphia, which has not seen a ton of new construction multifamily development recently. 73 homes for people is definitely a better use of this land than a blighted field of grass and weeds, especially if at least some of the apartments are affordable. Hopefully, nearby neighbors and the ZBA feel the same way and the project gets approved.

What do you think about this project? Do you think this plan is a better use of the land than a vacant lot of some kind of industrial use?

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