Last winter, we told you about plans for six townhomes on 22nd St., north of Race Street. Now, the parcel that stretches from 206-12 N. 22nd St., home of Patriot Parking, is under agreement of sale to a different owner. A new developer presented new plans for five instead of six town homes to members of the Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA) this month.

Patriot Parking

The former developer’s plans raised concerns with neighbors about height, party walls and the fact the homes would face north instead of fronting 22nd Street. While the most recent plans are in preliminary stages, the now-shorter four-story homes will also face north. Owners will pull off 22nd Street into a courtyard with parking for each home.

Same idea as this Northern Liberties project from Fishtank PHL. But not the same architecturally.

“It looks like it’s something that will be acceptable to neighbors,” said Ed Panek, LSNA zoning chair.

Last year, members of the LSNA appealed a ZBA decision that approved former developers’ plans by right, representing a group of concerned neighbors. The appeal was withdrawn, with the understanding developer would work with members of the LSNA to reach an agreement. It seems that agreement failed to be realized.

Kudos to the owners for finding another interested buyer. These small-scale developments have been more typical in Logan Square, than large-scale developments, some of which plans for remain unclear, like for Cherry Street West. On the other hand, two planned developments for 19th and Arch, one on each corner, represent investors’ interpretation there is a demand for denser housing in Logan Square. It will be interesting to see how all of these developments pan out.

–Lou Mancinelli