There are big plans in the works for even more progression to North Broad Street. Earlier this month, Mayor Nutter, EB Realty Management Corp. (Eric Blumenfeld’s company, the man behind the foreclosed Marine Club) and PMC Property Group announced the start of the redevelopment project. The $43M 600 N. Broad project will include the entire block where former Wilkie Buick car dealership and the historic, seven-story Biberman building are located. The project plans for 39,000 square feet of commercial space, 97 rental apartment units, 104 parking spaces and several outdoor courtyards (yay for green space!).

Stephen Starr, Marc Vetri and Joe Volpe (event and restaurant superstars) have signed on to be involved with the commercial aspect of the redevelopment. Starr is a going for a casual restaurant centered around seafood (tentatively named Route 6 with approximately 150 seats). Vetri has plans for a not-yet-named Italian gastropub and Volpe (of Cooperage in Washington Square) is planning a catering venue fit for 700 guests.

As a huge part of the North Philadelphia Redevelopment Project, this undertaking will create approximately 232 permanent jobs as well as 150 construction jobs for the city of Philadelphia (we put this in our “pro’s” column, as jobs in this city are definitely a hot commodity). The residential rental units have been coined as “Lofts 600.” We are guessing that the project may be taking a few hints from Lofts 640, which is just a few steps further down Broad Street and was also created by developer Blumenfeld (plans for a rooftop pool at 600 N. Broad?); Lofts 640 also houses Vetri’s Italian Osteria restaurant.

State Representative Dwight Evans we well as Councilman Darrell L. Clarke of the Fifth District are pleased with the progression of North Broad Street and feel that partnerships involving so much creativity, such as 600 N. Broad, are key in making the future of Philadelphia a successful one. We can’t help but agree, as it seems the redevelopment at 600 N. Broad has acquired quite the creative team. Hopefully North Philadelphia is able to continue progressing, as it is a part of this city that definitely needs more attention. The project is set for completion in late fall of this year.