It’s true that Francisville has seen a tremendous amount of new construction in recent years. Many blighted properties have been replaced by new homes, and plenty of vacant lots have been filled in. Despite all of this, there is still plenty of blight and vacancy that remains in the neighborhood, especially on several blocks close to Ridge Avenue. Take, for example, the 1600 block of Ogden Street.

Last month, north side

Last month, south side

Over the past six weeks, however, this block has experienced some positive changes, with hopefully more to come. Citi Properties LLC owns three parcels on the north side of this block, and has broken ground on two duplexes so far. 1619 Ogden St. has already been framed out, and foundations have been poured at 1611 Ogden St. for another duplex. 1607 is also owned by this developer, though no plans have been submitted or permits pulled to this point.

Same view as above, though a little blurry

View from the east, you can see the foundation at 1611

It’s unclear whether these will be rentals or condos, but frankly it doesn’t matter all that much to us. Just to see these vacant lots filled in so close to Ridge Ave. is a very encouraging sign, and will hopefully inspire other property owners to develop their own vacant parcels. As for the south side of the block, there’s nothing doing as of this moment, but we imagine that could change quickly, especially with the new development across the street. It wouldn’t surprise us, in fact, if this whole block was built out in the next couple of years. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.