Morning Headlines: Renters Now Moving Into Goldtex Apartments

The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that the Post Bros.’ Goldtex Apartments building on 12th and Wood in Callowhill has now officially started the move-in process for renters, despite all the conflict between the developers and the labor unions that opposed the site’s mixed-labor approach to construction. The conflict got so out of control, it became a symbol for everything in the city that’s wrong with union control of the construction industry, prompting columnists like the Inquirer’s architecture critic Inga Saffron to offer a strong rebuke of the current state of affairs.

Fortunately, the developers, Michael and Matthew Pestronk, were able to get the building renovated and into shape for initial renters, though the 11-story building is still under construction in parts.

Natalie Kostelni writes:

If all goes as planned, its 163 units will be fully completed by the fall. Rents range from $1,500 for studios to $3,500 for three-bedroom units. A penthouse, which sits adjacent to the workout room, roof-top pool and outdoor lounge area will go for in excess of $5,000.

As for other stories this morning, we’ve got some more depressing news about the building collapse, Saffron on the firehouse, and a Paris real estate death match. Enjoy!

• Joey Sweeney offers a sad meditation on the latest building collapse clusterfrack of news over at philebrity. “The more we learn about this whole thing, the more we realize that darkness surrounded this whole thing…”
• Inga Saffron covers the possible demolition of Engine 46, the historic firehouse on Reed Street by Riverview movie theater. Says neighborhood activist James Moyland: “But if they say that they’re knocking it down for a parking lot, that makes my head explode.”
• Which $40 million home to buy? The mansion “with a empiric Old World staircase at its heart” or the townhouse with “light-filled interiors that can make your heart stop”? Curbed’s Paris death match may help decision-making.