And no, we’re not talking about Greater Saint Matt’s.

Back in April, a developer (we’re not sure who) came before the ZBA with a proposal to convert the historic church at 626 N 21st St. into eight residential units. Near neighbors objected, citing a lack of parking and outdoor space, and stating a preference for fewer units.

The church

According to the Spring Garden Civic’s May newsletter, when faced with opposition from the community, the developer went to the Historical Commission to receive permission to tear down 25% of the rear of the building to create enough open space to allow eleven units by right. Additional opposition at the Historical Commission resulted in a denial of that request, and the ZBA ultimately denied the application altogether. There’s a sense that the developer may appeal.…

Developer PMJ Development LLC purchased 1519-21 N 16th St. earlier this year and is rehabbing the historic building and building an addition next door. The building itself is very unique, with bays the likes of which we’ve never seen in Philadelphia.

Something different, certainly

According to the minutes of the May meeting of the Philadelphia Historical Commission, the addition, which will sit on the lot to the south, will be based on a mansion that once stood on the site but has since been demolished. We think this refers to the building pictured below.

In 1971, from Phillyhistory.org

If the new addition will indeed echo this lost building, it should represent a nice addition to the area. Also interesting in the picture above, we can see what may have been the…