We rarely go more than a few days without hearing about or visiting the action in the greater Old City/Northern Liberties/Fishtown area along the Delaware River Waterfront. And our travels today take us back to 901 N. Front St., which we visited back in December when plans a 96-unit project were being marketed for sale. We didn’t have any details at the time beyond the unit count, but thanks to a CDR submission, we have a better idea of what’s in store. Currently surface parking and a low-rise structure, this property sits just north of Poplar St. off N. Delaware Ave. and the river trail.

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Looking west on Poplar towards the site, with other construction in the foreground
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An aerial shows the outlines of the property

But thanks to all of the wonderful information included in the Civic Design Review package, we have all the details of what’s potentially joining the development fun. We can indeed expect to see 96 units here, with a modern design courtesy of DesignBlendz. The facade will feature tannish cement paneling across the structure’s seven stories, with 24 parking spaces accessible from Canal St. on the first floor. The lobby area will be accessed via an angled set-back, creating plenty of visual interest along the ground level of this purely residential project.

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Current view looking west from Poplar & Canal St.
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The future view, with a mural at the corner of the ground floor
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Current view from Poplar & N. Front St.
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A rendering of what may come to the site
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Site plan shows parking access along Canal, with residential access on both Canal and Poplar
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Elevation drawing showcases angled entrance and material choices
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An aerial rendering looking east shows its proximity to other residential buildings
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Another aerial looking NW shows proximity to recently-built rowhomes
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A closer look at the Poplar-facing facade (and street trees!)

We are definitely fans of the look of this building, even though there don’t seem to be any recent permits pulled for the project indicating movement or any changes in ownership per public records. And conceptually we understand the approach, given the incredible amount of building taking place in the immediate vicinity. With the waterfront teeming with development progress, the project immediately across Canal St. at 918-80 N. Delaware Ave. is proof positive that residential development at scale is indeed possible in the area.

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918-80 N. Delaware Ave. is making major progress adjacent to this proposal
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A rendering from the same spot shows things are progressing according to plans

The 462-unit project from HDO Architecture is well underway and looking almost identical to the renderings. This is one of the multitude of projects coming to the area, so why not one more? Even if this proposal doesn’t come to fruition as designed, it is truly remarkable just how much the immediate area continues to change, making the waterfront and its proximate neighborhoods all the more vibrant.