In August, a long-vacant commercial space and a trash-strewn lot became a shiny new cafe and a landscaped garden space at 20th & Federal. In the months since, two new residential projects have sprouted from the ground in the immediate vicinity, and are progressing at roughly the same pace. We’ve told you about both, but it seems like time for an update, no?

Six weeks ago, we told you that three homes had just broken ground at 2016-2020 Annin St., on a block that’s been showing considerable improvement in the last year or so. At the time, they were mere holes in the ground. Now, they’re 2/3 of the way to being framed out. And it appears that the underpinning was successful, as none of the homes next door appear to have collapsed. What we don’t know is whether these homes will be listed for sale or whether they’ll be rentals, like the six homes built a year ago at the other end of the block.

Early December

Current shot

Meanwhile, on 20th Street, two more homes have risen in recent weeks. Way back in October, we first told you about plans for this corner from OCF Holdings, who will eventually build six homes on this long vacant lot. Framing should be finished for the homes on 20th Street by the end of the week, and the homes are expected to be completed by the springtime. The large homes will have four bedrooms, three full-bathrooms, and two half-bathrooms, and will be listed at $350K.

A few months ago

Moving along

20th Street elevations from YCH Architects

Look for ground breaking for four more homes on this lot, fronting Annin Street, in a few months.

Yes, this area has changed quite a bit for the better in just a couple of years. Now if only traffic on 20th Street could change directions between Washington and Federal to provide a legitimate gateway to Point Breeze Avenue, the area and the corridor could truly be in a position to take off.

Disclosure: OCF Realty is the parent company of Naked Philly, OCF Holdings, and OCF Coffee House.