You may not make it out to Overbrook Farms very frequently, unless you’re visiting Saint Joseph’s University out on Hawk Hill. Sure, the hawk will never die, but posted CDR documents let us know that an interesting mixed-use redevelopment project is proceeding on the 63rd Street commercial corridor in this pocket of Philadelphia just on the other side of City Line from MontCo.

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Oasis of Praise Ministries Church building set to be demolished

At 2031 N 63rd St., a four story building with 81 apartments over first floor commercial is set to replace a vacant single story church building. With 45 one-bedrooms and 36 studios starting at only 344 square feet, the building is pretty clearly intended for students. While these tiny units obviously aren’t for everyone, it’s nice that this project will provide students with a semi-affordable option to live without a roommate.

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Project rendering
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Aerial rendering of the new building which will include a green roof but not a rooftop deck, as they are prohibited by the Fourth District zoning overlay

KCA Design Architects handled the architecture for this project, and thanks to the magic of CDR, we are able to share some visuals of what we can expect to see here. This building is going to be strikingly white in color, with a mix of white brick and white hardi panel, and will certainly stand out from the surrounding buildings. Some members of the local RCO would have preferred Wissahickon Schist, but we are into the bright new construction and think that the contrast will serve the building well.

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Rendered ground floor plans

24 parking spots on the first floor will serve the tenants of the building well, even if it’s not ideal from an urbanist perspective. The parking will be accessed via a drive-aisle that leads to a side entrance, to allow for additional retail space on the first floor. We don’t love the curb cut on 63rd Street, through we can appreciate why the developers are including parking, given the proximity to the ‘burbs. We should note that the parking isn’t required by the zoning code but like we said, we understand why it’s there. That being said, we’ll hope that residents take advantage of nearby public transportation options.

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The low slung buildings immediately south of the new project
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The Elm, a recently constructed student-oriented apartment building on 63rd Street

While the proposed 47′ tall building might seem a bit out of scale with the adjacent mixed-use buildings or the attached homes set a bit back from the street, you only have to stroll a couple hundred feet up 63rd before the size and density of buildings jumps significantly as you approach the SEPTA Overbrook Regional Rail Station and City Line Avenue.

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Recently completed multi-family building also adjacent to the railroad tracks around the corner on Woodbine Avenue

Incidentally, this project is another reminder how SEPTA’s Regional Rail stations could serve as anchors for transit oriented housing and commercial density in Philadelphia neighborhoods. Of course, that will be less likely if the transit agency is forced to implement service cuts due to a structural budget shortfall. Here’s to hoping that the elected officials in Harrisburg figure out the budget situation and provide SEPTA with the funds it needs to service the Philadelphia metro area. Some of the folks who will someday live in at 2031 N. 63rd St. will definitely appreciate it.