Artist’s rendering of Phase 2 of Wade Flats at 53rd and Whitby.

Residents got a closer look at a proposed 53-unit “equitable and inclusionary” apartment complex near 53rd and Baltimore set to begin construction later this month.

The local real estate developer Spak Group hosted the first of monthly info sessions with residents related to WADE Flats, which will be built along a vacant stretch of parcels at 5300-5310 Whitby Ave. – a couple of blocks south of Baltimore Ave. in Southwest Philly. Continue Reading

Rendering of WADE Flats (Courtesy of the Spak Group).

The Spak Group, a local real estate company behind the recent development at 5050 Baltimore Avenue, is working on another housing development in West Philly – at the intersection of 53rd St. and Whitby Ave. The Spak Group is calling the new project, WADE Flats, an “equitable and inclusionary” development without public subsidy, just like 5050 Baltimore.

WADE Flats is a mixed-use and mixed-income development. The project, which will include two phases, will house four commercial spaces ranging in size from 800 square feet to 2,500 square feet, and 53 residential units from studios to 2-bedrooms. Rents will range from $795 per month to $1,625 per month. Continue Reading

The “Broken Chains” mural at 52nd and Larchwood will be removed due to a new construction project.

Murals are an important part of Philadelphia history and cultural legacy, so it’s a big deal for many residents to hear that a mural in their neighborhood has to be removed. We learned that the “Broken Chains” mural at 52nd and Larchwood can’t be saved due to a new construction project. Understanding the mural’s importance to the community, the project developer, West Philly-based real estate and development firm Spak Group, has offered to fund a new mural at the same location after the construction project is completed.

The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program and artists KC White and Gabe Tiberino have been engaged to work on the new mural, and community members are invited this Thursday (April 13) to join the conversation and help inform the design of the mural that will celebrate Black History and empowerment. The meeting will take place at Philadelphia Student Union (501 S. 52nd St.), beginning at 6:30 p.m., and light refreshments will be served.  Continue Reading