A couple years back, we predicted that two large projects, Liberty Square and Soko Lofts, would transform the South Kensington neighborhood and bring new attention to an area that teemed with potential. After a lengthy delay, Liberty Square finally got moving in December, but progress has been slow. And the Soko Lofts project hasn't moved forward at all. Remember, that project would bring 311 apartments, 4-6 retail spaces, and about a hundred parking spots to a giant lot surrounded by 2nd, Thompson, American, and Master Streets. This photo from a couple years ago still pretty much applies today.
Recently, we learned that the project may have new life. Last week, a slightly revised plan (with 320 units) went before the community at a South Kensington Community Partnership meeting. But it was overwhelming rejected by those in attendance. The developers will either revise their plans to meet community concerns or chance it with the ZBA. But the fact that there's even a conversation about this project two years after it first came on the scene indicates that something could soon be happening here.
As it is, there are two projects nearby that are at least worth mentioning. First, let's turn our eye to 1317 N. 2nd St., where developers have replaced an old home with a new home.
Nothing too special about this project, except that the new building doesn't exactly fit in with its neighbors. This is just fine by us, but there may be some out there that find this objectionable.
On the other side of the possible Soko Lofts site, we spied some framing at 2nd & American.
From what we can tell from the permits, we expect a couple of homes and a mixed-use building with three apartments and a real estate office. Considering that this has been a vacant lot for a really long time, this strikes us as good news.
A couple years ago, we were optimistic that a couple of huge projects would change the conversation in South Kensington and encourage additional investment in the neighborhood. Though those projects have yet to really come to bear, the neighborhood has nevertheless flourished. Smaller projects like those mentioned above have been the norm, more slowly injecting the area with new residents and new energy. By the time Liberty Square and Soko Lofts get built, it seems likely that the neighborhood will have filled in around them pretty nicely. Unexpectedly, instead of leading the way, they'll be bringing up the rear. This might be a more natural approach here, given the benefit of hindsight.