The Hoa Binh Plaza is set to be replaced by a substantial apartment complex.

Mixed-Use Developments Approved in Graduate Hospital and South Philadelphia

Two significant mixed-use developments have cleared key hurdles in their respective approval processes, set to transform the landscapes of Graduate Hospital and South Philadelphia.

In South Philadelphia, the Zoning Board of Adjustment has granted variances sought by OCF Realty to build a mixed-use development at the 160 Hoa Binh Plaza site, which was previously a popular Southeast Asian shopping center. This development marks OCF Realty's third large-scale project on Washington Avenue.

The revisions to the proposal have resulted in reduced massing and height, fewer apartments, more commercial space, and additional underground parking. The building will include 254 parking spaces and nearly 40,000 square feet of commercial space, as well as a public plaza and public courtyard, which is expected to feature a café. Under a community benefits agreement, 28 of the 275 units will be affordable to households earning 45% of the area median income.

Thomas Donatucci, managing partner of the Washington Avenue Property Owners Association, expressed excitement about the new development coming to fruition. However, Vivian Truong, a resident whose home is directly across the street from the project, expressed concern about living in the shadow of the development.

The proposal's final design is the product of a yearlong process that sought to incorporate feedback from residents and stakeholders.

Meanwhile, in Graduate Hospital, a 275-unit apartment building has cleared a key hurdle, with the disputed proposal backed by Council President Kenyatta Johnson, the Point Breeze Community Development Coalition, and the South of South Neighborhood Association (SOSNA). The hourslong zoning hearing featured a flood of public testimony, both for and against the proposed development.

Multifamily construction is not allowed on the industrial site, requiring the company to seek permission to deviate from the law. Supporters of the proposed development argued it would have a positive impact on the community's quality of life and is in line with the future of Washington Avenue. On the other hand, opponents argued it could lead to the displacement of longtime residents and is a bad fit for the area.

Elsewhere on Washington Avenue, a 90-unit apartment building with a gym and a chiropractic office on the ground floor is underway. The project at 2201 Washington Ave. is also a mixed-use development, with an Aldi supermarket and a CVS Pharmacy.

In another development, the proposal for the apartment building at 2101 Washington Ave., previously a building supply company, is also a mixed-use development with 247 units. The revisions resulted in reduced massing and height, as well as fewer apartments, more commercial space, and additional underground parking.

Albert Littlepage, president of the Point Breeze group, stated that the property being built is for everyone. The development at 160 Hoa Binh Plaza site will replace Hoa Binh Plaza and is expected to bring new life to the area.

These developments mark exciting changes for the South Philadelphia and Graduate Hospital neighbourhoods, with the potential to bring new commercial spaces, residential units, and community benefits.