Last Thursday night, local developer Manny DeMutis presented plans for the 500 block of Bridge St. that would see two 14-story towers built. The development, which would sit on 5.5 acres of land, would include "38,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, 448 residential units, and structured, shared parking."
Source: The Phoenix
Source: The Phoenix
Comments
This is a pipe dream and rationalization for extending Streetscapes (our tax dollars) to Nutt Road.
Also, Barto has repeatedly said they don't want to sell their land and they don't want to move. Have they changed their minds?
The article says that Barto would move into the first building if this does happen.
If you clean up the streets there are consumers that would purchase new anything and especially if they sell the term within walking distance to all majors stores and restaurants in Phoenixville. Again that part of town looks like any other run down town in PA. It needs a facelift. Change is welcome in my mind.
"The views expressed here are mine and do not reflect the official opinion of my employer or the organization through which the Internet was accessed."
There is only one reason for the density of this proposal and that is to maximize the developers profits. It would be bad for the neighborhood, the town, and everyone else except for Manny and family and the Barto family. Two out of 6000-7000 families just doesn't justify this. I can only hope it's a pipe dream and the developer will come back with a proposal that makes sense instead of one that emphasizes his greed.
Barto definitely needs to clean up that lot, but I guess if you look at the same trash for enough years you don't want to get rid of it.
I agree that we need something better in that spot but a couple of skyscrapers in Pville isn't the solution.
I am not impressed with the quality of DeMutis' other redevelopment projects. The materials look cheap and the designs/ architecture are uninspired. The only way that Phoenixville can sustain its growth is by offering unique experiences. Part of that is great neighborhoods and architectural style. Using cookie cutter generic designs for any project doesn't serve us well. I offer the New Century Bank Building as a case in point of uninspired design (I realize that this project was a problem from the get go). The building is generic bordering on ugly- its simply office space not a community ammenity that enhances our environment.
DeMutis has done a lot for Phoenixville and continues to but he shouldn't be able to just do the minimum and get away with it. He is doing this as an investment and a business person not as a charity. Council and citizens should hold him to high standards.
My 2 cents anyway - from Morgan Street.
I offer the New Century Bank Building as a case in point of uninspired design (I realize that this project was a problem from the get go). The building is generic bordering on ugly- its simply office space not a community ammenity [sic] that enhances our environment.
That building was designed and built by PPG--the company that owns the steel site downtown and has done nothing to enhance or positively modify the acreage that they own in the middle of our borough.
Take a look at the building directly west of the New Century Bank Building on Bride Street--the former Superintendent's Building. That one is currently a DeMutis Group project. What's your take on that...how do you think the new slate roof looks, replaced windows, etc?
I agree that the rehab of the Superintendent's building looks fantastic. They were working with a great structure to begin with. It looks like they are using quality materials and really enhancing it.
I know that PPG did what is now the New Century bank Building. I am sorry that I left the impression that the DeMutis Group was part of that. I was trying to make the point, and apparently not well, that Phoenixville could do better. We should demand architecture that complements and enhances the community when it comes to large developments that will dominate our neighborhoods for many years to come.
Both the Iron Hill building and the District Court building are pretty basic. I wish that those buildings had some of the charm and attention to detail and quality that the superintendant's building has. However, they are not obtrusive and are in scale with the neighborhood.
A 14-story high rise will dominate that area and attention needs to be given to design and scale if this project moves forward.
Also have to agree with other posters here that DeMutis and others are having trouble selling what they already have. Do we really need more condos? It would be nice to see some more investment in the existing rental properties nearby.
It looks hideous. Would've been much more elegant-looking if they had just been painted a high-gloss black. That bright royal blue color matches NOTHING along Bridge Street. Ugh.
Also, can we PLEASE, PLEASE have nicer holiday decorations in 2008? One of the stars was even unlit on 12/24 on Bridge Street. Stupid and embarrassing for my visiting family.
I'm trying to make a point that nicer things mean nicer property values. Perhaps that point is lost on many in this town?
I love looking down Bridge Street and seeing all of the lights on...very Christmas-y.
Also, the idea for a parking garage is great, EXCEPT that it means it will be harder than ever to park over there during construction- in THIS town, I think it's safe to say that the construction would take AT LEAST TWO YEARS!
On a different note: Does anyone know what they're building across from the new Rite Aid (aka:the OLD Eckerd)?! I don't recall anyone saying anything about it, but it looks like it has a drive-through, whatever it is!
EEK!
As if there weren't enough accidents and traffic problems in that intersection already!