While doom and gloom have crept into the real estate zeitgeist both locally and nationally, there are certain spots where you could be fooled into thinking the exact opposite. Case in point? 2301 JFK Blvd., what used to be a narrow, wedge-shaped plot that consisted of trees and a surface lot. You are forgiven if this landmark doesn’t immediately jump out at you, as it once sat as discreetly as possible along its raised JFK-facing boundary, and its lower 23rd St.-facing boundary.

What’s coming here is quite the change from the past: a 287-unit apartment tower is slated to rise 24 floors above two levels of office space. This is just the most recent of the many, many proposals that have been pitched for the site in the past.

Let’s skip through time to see how things have evolved here, from its tree-covered past to where we are today. Cue the cranes!

That’s right, things are now in full swing for this mixed-use tower that will reshape the streetscape of both JFK Blvd. and 23rd Street. This parcel is being developed by PMC Property Group, who also developed the Riverwalk apartments just next door. They are doing an impressive job building on this tricky parcel, bringing in Solomon Cordwell Buenz to create a trophy tower. SCB’s design mimics the flowing, glimmering look of the nearby Schuylkill River, with the floor-to-ceiling glass broken up by a brick-like pattern of vertical and horizontal elements which wind their way around the volume. The podium flows elegantly into the rounded tower atop, creating one of the most successful base-tower approaches we can remember. Our one gripe is the lack of connectivity with the nearby Schuylkill River Trail, but perhaps someday. Excitingly, the construction so far indicates that the curves are to remain, dashing fears of the design disappearing during the value engineering process.

If we could order up several dozen more of these across the city, we would be happy as a clam. The look and concept here are massive additions to an area that is getting more bustling by the day. While there are 44 parking spots on site, this is greatly reduced from what is required by-right, furthering taking advantage of the property’s transit-oriented bona fides. In fact, with 30th Street Station not far off, you could find yourself in Moynihan Train Hall a mere 90 minutes or so after walking out your front door from this building. That being said, we hope that the folks who live here stick around town to experience everything happening in this area, which continues to develop as a new economic center in town.