19-story North Broad tower moves forward

A 19-story residential tower is coming to North Broad Street, offering a, “refined, contemporary,” look along the increasingly popular section of Philly, according to plans posted on the city website.

The tower at 1451 North Broad is designed by Cecil Baker + Partners and goes in front of the Civic Design Review (CDR) for feedback today. It has 225 residential units, 21 parking spaces, and 5,000 square feet of retail on the ground floor. The second story will have amenities including a lounge, outdoor terrace, and fitness center.

“Entry to the residential tower will be through a landscaped courtyard facing Broad Street. A dramatic marquee and cantilever provides cover from Broad Street to the lobby,” project plans said.

Developers and architects called the L-shaped building refined and contemporary in its design, with a facade of grey metal panels, white slabs, and reflective glass.

The site is currently home to the Mount Sinai Holy Church of America, which has owned it since the 1970s, according to city records.

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The project follows a recent boom in development on North Broad over the past few years. Just this week, we wrote about Mural West, which is going in around Spring Garden, offering residential units as well as a courtyard and one-story restaurant. Prior to that, just south of 1451 Broad, a new development “The Nest” geared toward Temple University students opened last year, while another new, 14-story project behind the Divine Lorraine broke ground.

In restoration news, the Met Philly and the Divine Lorraine have both been revamped over the past few years. Meanwhile, the Office of Licenses and Inspections even opened up new offices on 1514 Cecil B. Moore Avenue last year—a direct response to the rapid development happening in the area.