Back in October, we first told you about plans to construct four quadplexes on the northwest corner of 16th & Poplar, ostensibly for student housing. In the past few months, foundations have been poured and framing looks to be nearing completion. Looking at the site today, you get a pretty good sense of what the buildings will ultimately look like.

Framed out

Closer look

On the plus side, we were pleased to see four vacant lots, some of which were previously owned by PHA, redeveloped by a private developer. Our only minor complaint was that the design of the project in conjunction with the number of apartments would mean small, oddly shaped units that would be extremely conducive to student tenants. By that we mean the units would likely never be attractive to individuals looking to stay in the neighborhood for more than a couple of years. In the short term, it works great. In the long view, maybe not as well.

Design for the project comes from Harman Deutsch, and we have to say the exteriors of the buildings are gonna be pretty nice. The combination of brick and hardi-board will make for a contemporary look, but not something that doesn’t fit into the context of the neighborhood.

Poplar Street side might have some stucco, but the brick along the first story is a welcome addition

16th Street view

As we said previously, we’re all too pleased to see more vacant land get filled in Francisville. And if the rumors we’re hearing about plans for the desolate 1600 block of Ogden Street around the corner prove to be true, even more vacant lots in the neighborhood aren’t long for this world.

New homes coming soon?