A couple of weeks ago, Temple Nests II LP went before the ZBA with the proposal to construct five duplexes at 805-815 W. Norris St., just a half a block east of the Temple University Train Station. The currently vacant lot is surrounded by a number of other vacant lots.

Future homes

To the south and west. Future site of Paseo Verde in the background. More to come on that.

Southeastern corner of the intersection. You get the picture.

There are numerous Temple Nest apartments across the face of campus, with rentals on the 1500 block of N 15th St., the 1500 block of N. Carlisle St., and the 1200 block of N. 16th St., all of which have pretty nice amenities. We imagine the new homes will be similar, with furnished bedrooms and living rooms, hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, washer/dryer in each unit, central air, and a flatscreen TV (!) included. Rates for their existing units are $1,300 for a 2 bedroom, $1,950 for a 3 bedroom, and $2,600 for a 4 bedroom. Rates for the new units will likely be in the same ballpark.

So… student housing rents are climbing, eh? And are we alone that we think that these students are missing out on the critical college experience of living in apartments that should probably be condemned?

Be that as it may, this is yet another sign of Temple student housing breaking out of the core blocks surrounding the University, spreading in every direction. And it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon, either.