We love to see new mixed-use projects transform under-utilized properties near train stations, so we were pretty excited to cover the construction of two new apartment buildings on Midvale Avenue just next to the East Falls Regional Rail Station back in 2022. Nearly two years later, construction on both projects seems nearly complete and after checking them out yesterday we have to say we’re quite happy with how both buildings turned out.

The new building closest to the train station is the Vale, at 3515 Midvale Ave., on the site of a former garage. With 36 one and two bedroom apartments above ground floor retail space, the structure has turned out looking pretty close to the earlier renderings. With all the tall trees and rolling hills in this portion of East Falls, the five story building, “as high as honor,” fits in well. We’re still waiting to see what will move into the three vacant commercial spaces, but given the strong foot traffic on Midvale Ave., we’re optimistic that these spaces will find successful retail tenants relatively soon.

A little further up the street at 3503 Midvale Ave. is the Grace, on the site of a former gas station. In contrast to the Vale, this project changed some colors and materials, and looks a bit different than earlier renderings. Like its new neighbor, this 33-unit five-story building is prevented from occupying some of its lot by the steep slope occupying much of the back half of the property. Also like its neighbor, this building includes some ground floor retail that we hope will quickly find some new occupants.

When we last covered this block, we speculated that more redevelopment might be in the works, given the favorable zoning for mixed-use and the fact that other properties were not being used to their full potential. Thus far, there’s no sign that any of the neighboring commercial tenants are going anywhere. But that could change quickly, especially considering that the property next to the Vale is occupied by Rite Aid, a company that has been aggressively closing locations in the last couple years. We’ll keep our eyes and ears open as usual, and will be sure to sound the alarm if and when this block takes its next step forward.