Developer Needs Zoning Relief For Mixed-Use Project On 4th and Fairmount

Photo credit: Google Street View

Developer David Perlman wants to transform the site of the former Trans Atlantic Company warehouse and nearby buildings into residences, PlanPhilly’s Jared Brey reports. Last we heard, developer Greg Hill had his eye on the building at 4th and Fairmount and planned to adaptively reuse the property, according to Sandy Smith.

Now, Perlman has presented his plans before the Zoning Board of Adjustment and asked for zoning relief for the proposed 55-unit project that will still involve “the demolition of a few buildings and the adaptive reuse of others.” Residents brought up potential parking issues, much like last time, but it was the question of commercial space that took precedence this time around:

The major issue between the developer and the Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association—and “major” is probably an overstatement—is about the amount of commercial space included in the project. The original plans called for no commercial space, but after conversations with NLNA, Perlman says he agreed to include 1,000 square feet of commercial space in one unit facing Fairmount.

But even that 1,000-square-foot-space is not enough:

The neighborhood group would like to see two more “non-residential” units included on the ground floor, totaling around 1,200 additional square feet of commercial space. The spaces don’t have to be dedicated for traditional commercial usage, said NLNA zoning chair Larry Freedman; something like a law office or art studio would work. NLNA is working to preserve non-residential uses throughout the neighborhood to preserve some of its character, Freedman said.

Perelman’s vision for the site includes fourteen townhouses, which he plans to put up for sale, and an apartment with 41 rental units (8 studios, 21 one-bedrooms, 11 two-bedrooms, and 4 single-bedrooms). Brey says rent would be between $1,100 per month to $4,500 per month.