Save Jeweler's Row? (Philadelphia, Reading, Clark: real estate, apartment, houses)

[Clark Park]

I am surprised no one has brought up the controversy of the likely demolition of the old three and four story buildings that make up part of "Jeweler's Row" on Sansom Street. Toll Brothers, the real estate developers who own the properties, would like to put up a sixteen story luxury apartment house on the site. To be fair Toll Brothers indicated they want to create a design that preserves some retail space on the street level and also wants to honor the original "cornice line" of the existing buildings (whatever that means.)

Philadelphia's Jeweler's Row is the oldest Jewelry and Diamond District in the United States.

Inquirer architecture critic Inga Saffron has been writing quite a bit about the controversy. She argues that sometimes this city is too lenient in giving in to real estate developers at the cost of our historic properties. Mayor Kenney has finally weighed in but preservationists think his stance is rather lame. One individual fighting to preserve the block is Paul Steinke, former director of Reading Terminal Market. Steinke is now affiliated with the Preservation Alliance.

Maybe someone can enlighten us as to the current status of Jeweler's Row?

[cpomp]

I posted this in the Philly2035 thread a while ago. My friend owns a coffee shop right on the corner and he said its a done deal and by-right build.


At first the shock of Jewelers Row changing was upsetting, but after reading more about the project and hearing various opinions, I am in support of this project. I think it will enliven and update that basically dead block, add new residents, and likely create more business for the jewelers and various other shops and cafes in the area.


I just wish I could see a rendering, if Toll produces a handsome building I am 100% in support.
It would be nice for Toll to somehow preserve the facades or original structures, but that would so expensive and more trouble than its worth.


Funny how the Former Please Touch Museum gets demolished and replaced by crappy Mc-rowhouses and no one looks twice, yet Toll a reputable builder who actually delivers a product finally wants to building a midrise building in Philadelphia and people are freaking out, when half of these idiots complaining have never even set foot on Jewelers Row or even know what/where it is.

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by cpomp

I posted this in the Philly2035 thread a while ago. My friend owns a coffee shop right on the corner and he said its a done deal and by-right build.


At first the shock of Jewelers Row changing was upsetting, but after reading more about the project and hearing various opinions, I am in support of this project. I think it will enliven and update that basically dead block, add new residents, and likely create more business for the jewelers and various other shops and cafes in the area.


I just wish I could see a rendering, if Toll produces a handsome building I am 100% in support.
It would be nice for Toll to somehow preserve the facades or original structures, but that would so expensive and more trouble than its worth.


Funny how the Former Please Touch Museum gets demolished and replaced by crappy Mc-rowhouses and no one looks twice, yet Toll a reputable builder who actually delivers a product finally wants to building a midrise building in Philadelphia and people are freaking out, when half of these idiots complaining have never even set foot on Jewelers Row or even know what/where it is.

A lot of those jewelry shops have been in the same family for generations. Usually someone in the family lives over the store. They know if a stranger is wandering around at 2am. Lively isn't the name of the game. Safety is. I have known people whose family had shops on jewelers row. This is a good way to break up jewelers row.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by Clark Park

I am surprised no one has brought up the controversy of the likely demolition of the old three and four story buildings that make up part of "Jeweler's Row" on Sansom Street. Toll Brothers, the real estate developers who own the properties, would like to put up a sixteen story luxury apartment house on the site. To be fair Toll Brothers indicated they want to create a design that preserves some retail space on the street level and also wants to honor the original "cornice line" of the existing buildings (whatever that means.)

Philadelphia's Jeweler's Row is the oldest Jewelry and Diamond District in the United States.

Inquirer architecture critic Inga Saffron has been writing quite a bit about the controversy. She argues that sometimes this city is too lenient in giving in to real estate developers at the cost of our historic properties. Mayor Kenney has finally weighed in but preservationists think his stance is rather lame. One individual fighting to preserve the block is Paul Steinke, former director of Reading Terminal Market. Steinke is now affiliated with the Preservation Alliance.

Maybe someone can enlighten us as to the current status of Jeweler's Row?

It did come up here right after it was announced.