Real estate roundup: Radar at Lovett Memorial | Art Commisison on Mormon Temple | Free rent at 1530 Chestnut | PECO substation goes residential | Stanley Blacker suit factory conversion

Today’s Buzz is a real estate round-up of sorts: 

On the grounds of Lovett Memorial Library in Mount Airy preservationists are hunting for archaeological remains using ground-penetrating radar. The grounds may have never been built on, so there could be remains from the Battle of Germantown or a militia that used to drill on the parcel. Before the library’s grounds can become a park, complete with an outdoor amphitheater, Friends of Lovett Memorial want to know if an archaeological dig should happen first. PlanPhilly’s Kellie Patrick Gates visits the library and has the story.

The Art Commission approved designs for the new Mormon Temple in concept, reports PlanPhilly’s JoAnn Greco. Architects from Perkins + Will shared samples of the building’s “noble materials.” Still, JoAnn writes, “Commission Chair Sean Buffington asked the applicants to return with more clarity on the depth and richness of the building’s facade, a better plan for the landscaping and stormwater use, a selection of alternate views of the building and its impact on its ‘very distinguished neighbors,’ and a more complete lighting scheme.”

Free rent at 1530 Chestnut! PhillyDeals reports that Cross Properties is offering a free residential rent promotion for #405 for folks who sign a lease by November 15 and write 100 words on why they are choosing to live at 1530 Chestnut. (Send yours to contest[at]1530chestnut.com.)

The former PECO substation at 6th and Federal is being converted into 11 apartments, reports Naked Philly. In 1998 PECO sold the building to June Ngheim and Thi Hang for $82,000. Ten years later the owners obtained a zoning variance to allow a residential conversion, and now permits are posted and work is underway.

The former Stanley Blacker suit factory on West Allegheny Ave will be converted into senior housing, reports the Business Journal. The five-story factory has been vacant since the 1980s, and now NewCourtland Living Independently for Elders will create affordable, senior housing and a health-care campus. The project will officially break ground Tuesday.

 

The Buzz is Eyes on the Street’s morning news digest. Have a tip? Send it along.

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