Perusing the zoning dockets for the month, we came upon a project that will soon be coming to the 1200 block of Alter Street. Though we’ve covered a few Alter Street developments in Point Breeze in recent months, this particular block of Alter Street differs from those that we’ve previously written about.

The block

The 1200 block of Alter Street has three single family homes, what appear to be a couple of apartments above garages that were built somewhat recently, and a couple of vacant lots. The block dead ends right before 13th Street. And soon, one more home will be added to the block, at 1224 Alter St.

The vacant lot

According to public record, the property was acquired last year at sheriff’s sale for $22K. The zoning application tells us that the developer is planning to construct a four story single family home with a first floor garage. We’re speculating here, but it’s not a stretch to imagine that this will instantly be the nicest home on the block. And with great views of the car wash across the street, which fronts Washington Avenue!

A home with a view

Just a block or two to the south, a very large new mixed use project is underway. Go one more block south and you’ll hit the former Annunciation School, which could soon be converted to apartments. This is another one of those examples of Philadelphia being a very block to block town- though based on the proposed (and approved) Alter Street home, maybe some of those development vibes are making their way north. Meanwhile, on the corner of Alter, a large vacant lot and an older garage building are on the market. Could these be redeveloped next?

Looking up 12th Street. Maybe eventually...