Brown|Hill Development and Peter Gluck and Partners have long been trying to turn a vacant lot across from the Ben Franklin Bridge into a luxury multi-purpose building aptly named 205 Race Street. Many Philly residents have been fighting with all their will to prevent this sleek and modern design from ruining Old City’s aesthetic. As tempers flare on both sides, we will have to wait to see what happens at the next zoning meeting. Read More.

With 128 apartments and over 9,000 square feet of roof garden, 205 Race Street sounds like a dream. The glass structure would sit at the end of Race Street next to the Ben Franklin Bridge, connecting Old City to the newly renovated Race Street Pier.

Old City die-hards are reportedly furious at the thought of a modern-looking building screwing up everything the neighborhood stands for. Even worse, 205 Race Street is expected to stand three times taller than any building in the area if the zoning commission allows the project to proceed.

The firms have worked together on three separate designs in an attempt to appease locals, each with impressive retail space, outdoor seating, and even sidewalks lined with planters. The next zoning meeting could truly be make or break for this project.

In an effort to drum up support for the project, the developer and architects have created an online petition. You can support 205 Race Street  here.

by Molly Cotter

posted in Debate Uncategorized

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