The Sedgley Apartments. Photo by Mike Lyons/West Philly Local.
UPDATE 9/27/13, 2:30 P.M. We heard back from David Hess this afternoon, who let us know that the owners of Dunkin’ Donuts plan to open to shop in late October, pending there are no delays in construction.
West Philly Local wrote about many real estate developments taking place in the neighborhood–some of which are welcomed, some of which are criticized. In an effort to keep you up-to-date on a few of these projects, we’ve complied Part I of a list of building updates. Part II is coming soon.
- In April, we reported that Renaissance Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center at 4712 Chester Avenue will undergo some renovations, including the demolition of two vacant, dilapidated houses adjacent to the property. When we stopped by the site this week, we saw that the buildings have been mostly torn down, with the foundation of the structures still standing three-quarters of the way. Two people were also scavenging the mountains of bricks and debris that littered the fenced-in lot. Nursing Home Administrator Camella Kane, who spoke with us originally, said the center had “nothing to report at this time,” even when pressed for further information.
- In June, we let you know that Dunkin’ Donuts is coming to 41st Street and Chester Avenue, opening up shop in the group floor of the multi-tenant building at 4100 Chester Avenue this fall. Well, observation makes it seem as if everything is still on track, with a sign for the fast-food coffee joint having gone up late this summer. As for the interior, wall beams have been erected and construction seems on the steady. We couldn’t get a confirmation of progress from David Hess, owner and manager of the multi-unit property, by the time of publication.
- As for the Sedgley Apartments, the historic building undergoing renovations, renovation work should be finished in a few months, said Noah Ostroff, principal at 400 S. 45th Street LLC, which owns the Sedgley. According to Ostroff, the team is making “good progress” and the apartments—which he said will be affordable and competitively priced—should be available for rent come early January. “We believe [the Sedgley] is going to be one of the more luxurious rental buildings in the area,” Ostroff told West Philly Local.
–Annamarya Scaccia
September 27th, 2013 at 2:24 pm
Talk about cheap rehab at the Sedgley with the replacement windows… lets take cheap stock windows and put them in arched openings. Yeah that looks like a “luxurious” building… You would think they could have sprung for some more architecturally appropriate windows. UGH
September 27th, 2013 at 4:28 pm
I know–the real test is going to be seeing with what material they cover those bays. I’m not optimistic.
September 28th, 2013 at 1:44 am
I spoke with the contractor outside the Sedgley a few months ago. I asked about the bays and he said they were going to be covered “with metal”, as the old ones were. When I asked if they would reproduce the molding and details of the originals, he said he thought not. Guess we should be happy they’re not covering them in vinyl siding. As for the windows, they are just plain stupid-looking. Frankly, if I were the owner I’d be embarassed. Can’t imagine the interiors are finished to any higher standard.
September 27th, 2013 at 9:18 pm
That seems to be an unfortunate trend. Do custom arched windows really cost that much?
September 27th, 2013 at 2:45 pm
I hope news about the old West Philly High will be covered in Part II!
September 27th, 2013 at 9:17 pm
I recently read on philly.com that the deal for West Philly High fell through.
September 27th, 2013 at 4:36 pm
What’s up with housing prices?
September 28th, 2013 at 5:26 pm
The Sedgley rehab is cheap. I live very close to the building and I’d say the contractors seem anything but professional.
September 30th, 2013 at 9:44 am
I’m just pleased they’re updating the building and bringing it up the code -aesthetics aside- it’s a welcome change. And whether it meets with the lofty standards of the surrounding neighbors I’m sure most ppl would agree. 🙂
September 30th, 2013 at 11:20 am
God seriously, they’re not going to be done until JANUARY? I’ve been woken up every single day for months now to the incessant beeping and construction that persists until wayy after working hours. It’s actually become my own personal hell