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The first of two buildings in the Gateway complex as of Sunday, July 14. With appliances delivered and the curbing in place, it seems alll that is neede is the landscaping. The second building is taking longer. |
When a neighbor told me they had seen appliances being delivered to the first of two buildings making up the South Avenue residential project (across from the Dairy Queen), I thought it time to catch up on the various projects around town.
SOUTH AVENUE
The $50M project on South Avenue, consisting of two buildings plus parking and amenities, will bring 212 luxury apartments to the area. As part of the deal, the Plainwood Square Park is to be improved.
When demolition got under way in 2016 (see my post here), the project was proposed to be ready for occupancy in September, 2019.
With the delivery of appliances to completed building, that target may be reached. However, the second building is far from being finished -- in fact, the elevator towers are up and the wood framing of the first floor is under way. I'm guessing summer of 2020 for completion if all goes well.
MUHLENBERG
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This rendering on the fencing surrounding the project gives an idea of what the total project will look like. |
When it was proposed in the summer of 2014 (see my report here), it was the subject of a monster meeting in the PHS cafeteria that brought out hundreds of residents in the affected area. Needless to say, they were highly skeptical of the project, which was fuzzy about exactly who would live in the proposed apartments.
Nevertheless, the Council signed off and the deal went forward. Demolition of parts of the old Muhlenberg Hospital got under way in August of 2018.
According to the terms of the development agreement, the residential portion of the project is supposed to be completed in 18 months -- that would be a target of early 2020.
I must say that as I pass by three times a week on my way to dialysis, there does not seem to be that much activity going on. Though the vermin and critters that had taken up residence have been removed and it seems the asbestos has been abated, there is little sign of further activity save for several windows that have been punched out.
Since this involves repurposing some of the existing complex, much of the work will take place out of sight, so it is hard to know just from the outside the status of the project.
Nevertheless, the leisurely pace to date makes me think that the January/February 2020 completion date is overly optimistic at best.
Then we must also remember that the developer (Community Healthcare Associates -- CHA) has up to five years to complete the medical arts wing that will face Park Avenue.
GRANT AVENUE
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This rendering is from the corner of Grant Avenue and South Second Street. The white building in the right rear is the already completed ABC building. |
With the financing finally in place, actual construction began this summer. The elevator tower for the 90-unit building has been erected and it looks like the slab on which the building will rest is being prepared right now.
When completed, this project will be the first development in the Fourth Ward in more than forty years. More than overdue, in my opinion.
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