the main tracks from 30th st. to suburban run right by there.

Ah ok.

I looked at Westminster Arch apartments a month ago which are across arch from that building. If that was to get developed it would really help that neighborhood...it's close to the river, has fairly easy parking (for now), and is walking distance to the Parkway...I think it would be a great neighborhood with an infusion of capital. Of course something would have to be done about the bum "condos" under JFK.

btw, Westminster Arch rents are really cheap for a reason...

The tracks by those buildings are the self-same CSX tracks about which there has been so much ruckus, in relation to the new expanded stretch of the Schuylkill River Park. CSX doesn't want the access points at Locust & Race Sts. open because they're concerned about safety; proponents of keeping them open (including myself) argue that there are just not that many trains through there per day and they move incredibly slowly AND it is possible to construct safe grade crossings, with security gates, etc. CSX is just not trying very hard.

Anyway, anybody on the blog from Fitler Sq. or Logan Sq. area near the tracks, who can give us an idea how many trains a day go through there? I'd be interested to know.

I think the tracks are the SEPTA tracks regional rail just SOUTH of the building----the CSX tracks are a couple of blocks to the west...though I agree I wish SRpark would be more accessible. CSX has huge liabilities w/ people walking on thier tracks (you know trains get sued when a drunk passes out on a track at night and gets run over).....but the city & CSX were looking at re-doing the old rail bridge just south of that area near the old PECO plant----then CSX wouldn't have needed the teacks along the center city side...but apparently too expensive.

I hear the 22nd & Market apartments aren't too luxurious---but remember that center city needs all kinds of residential products---supposedly the building across Market from there will be turned into luxury apts...and I hear 23rd & Arch is back on for possible residential development and Realen Dennis Maloomian supposedly developing above 23rd and race....
Whare are the 6 super luxury condos in Logab Sq going up?

And---how about olde city and front st---lots there.....

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SPM

That's right, the RR lines do go right by the South side of the building. Forgot about those.

I find the security argument all that much less convincing because people who are inclined to be stupid and walk on the tracks have always done so there and will continue to do so; the only people CSX is really screwing are the law-abiding types who will actually not cross if it's blocked off. The question is whether they will make the effort to go blocks out of their way to get to the trail...or just say the hell with it & not use it.

22&Race, big homes, Bell Atlantic garage. Demo should start in a month or two....assuming all goes well.

23rd and arch has been purchased. no word on what they weill be condos/apts). can't they just ahve better access form the bridges like walnut st.? i understand CSX's issues with people crossing the tracks. God know's a biz is liable for everything these days. while what niel says might be true, it may not make a difference when they pay for insurance. I still plan on using SRP. it's a great way to get up to the art museum from CC.

Ah, yes, CSX and Schuylkill River Park.

Give me a break-

"We at CSX can't allow people to cross an active CSX freight line!!!"

Um, how come CSX forgets to mention is that SEPTA Route 11 Trolley in Darby Borough crosses this same line 117 times a day, and has been doing this for the last 50 years or so?!?!?

Hal

The Belber Building(Big Ugly Building) at 22nd + Arch was recently sold to Philadelphia developers Orens Brothers Inc. They plan on turning the building into 176 loft style condo units beginning late this spring.

The deal from last fall to redevelop this building fell through as Metropolitan(a NYC development company) backed out at the last second.

The previous owner of this eyesore, Paul Profeta, paid $3 Million for the property back in 1983 he finally sold the Belber learlier this month to orens. Bros for $12 million. So thanks Paul Profeta for saddling Philadelphia with this eysore for the past 21 years until you were sure to get optimal compensation.We really appreciated that.