376-388 Dupont

[Goliard]

Saw orange zoning signs posted on that row of famously derelict houses at the corner of Dupont and Pechin. Looks like they are to be rehabbed and maybe have some new construction added on (it's hard to tell exactly what from the language on the signs). Let's hope they keep it classy, although I imagine anything would be better than what's there now.

Next stop: How about someone upgrades DeLeo's "Cafe"?

[The Rox]

That's great news. This is a great little section in Roxborough, so it's good to see more things happening.

DeLeo's will need a lot more than an upgrade to improve its image.

[SJUHawks31]

I live close to those homes. I assumed they were some form of section 8 housing. can they really be rehabbed? They should just knock them down.

[Debbie1125]

They're owned by Octavia Hill and are being rehabbed. From the March 2011 CRCA Meeting Minutes:

Cooper Winston represented Octavia Hill Assoc. and its plan to renovate and develop their properties on the 35,000 block of land between Pechin, Krams, Dupont. Current tenants rent these properties, which were mostly built in 1926 or thereabouts. Octavia is a For-Profit organization with a mission of providing housing for the work force. It was founded by Quaker women who wished to provide housing for people of modest income. This is the only plot of land/properties in this area owned by Octavia Hill. It also owns in QueensVillage, Port Richmond, Germantown, and West Oak Lane. Octavia Hill makes a small profit.

To renovate these houses, they will need to increase rents from the $700-$900range to $1000-$1350. They will look to bring in tenants who can afford this somewhat higher rent, and will work to relocate existing tenants to other properties where the rents are still low. (One attendee expressed the regrettable outcome that these people may have lived here for many years and now will have to live elsewhere.)

Renovations will take place in 3 phases, starting with the properties on DuPont, and they will attempt to bring them up to the level of new homes on Dupont.

A 10 page Development Summary was provided for review. It outlines the details of renovation plans for 23 row houses, and possible construction of 11 new homes on Dupont Place, a small street running in the interior of their property.

Renovation work to begin this year. They do not intend to change the brick faces on Krams. New construction will require Zoning approval.

[Goliard]

Thanks for that information, Debbie. All I can say is "HOLY CRAP THAT IS A LOT OF BUILDING", but can't decide if it's good or bad for that area. Good it's getting upgraded, but man that seems congested to me. Am I wrong?

[sullivjo]

Very interesting...I'm glad to see it get an upgrade. I live a block from there and it is especially dumpy compared to other blocks in the neighborhood. Ugh...DeLeo's....what a dump.