21-unit residential new construction, zoned CMX3.
A 21-unit residential building is set to rise at 229 Arch St in Old City & Society Hill, the kind of by-right infill quietly reshaping the block. It was cleared to build in Dec 21, 2020.
The 28,519 sq ft site is zoned CMX3, which supports a building on the order of 4 stories by right. The parcel last changed hands in 2012. The plans call for for the erection of a three (3) story addition over existing parking lot with existing parking lot to remain. new ada ramp at existing entrance. new low brick wall with wrought iron fencing at street level to screen parking and trash areas as per approved plans. for existing visitor accommodation and multi-family household living sixty-five (65) dwelling units as previously approved and new multi-family household living twenty-one (21) dwelling units (total eighty-six (86) dwelling units) and reconfiguration of eight (8) existing accessory off street parking spaces including 1 ada / van accessible space and seven (7) off street bicycle (class 1a) parking spaces on an accessible route. building is to be fully sprinklered. separate permits required for m.e.p.s work. amendment for modification to the reinforced concrete foundation and structural steel beams design as per approved plans. amendment to change the size of structual elements, fire rated assemblies, floor layout and section details as per approved revised plans. amended as of 8.10.2022: for omitting suspended ceilings and reducing unit entry doors fire ratings. .
The owner of record is Berger Development LP. The project's plan drawings are on file — worth a look for anyone underwriting the surrounding block.
It isn't rising in isolation. Within a half-mile, 6 other major projects have broken ground since 2022 — roughly 314 units of new supply — including the 11-unit project at 225 Quarry St, the 34-unit project at 322-40 Race St, the 85-unit project at 230-36 Vine St. That kind of concentration is exactly what pulls land values, and buyer attention, toward a block.
We'll update this page as the project progresses — leasing, retail tenants, renderings, and construction milestones as they surface. The relevant question for investors and agents: what are the surrounding parcels worth to a builder now that this is coming?
📄 View the project's plan drawings (PDF)As this density arrives, InvestPHL is tracking 43 under-built parcels within a half-mile that a developer could still acquire and build — each carrying a builder's max bid. Addresses and figures are members-only.
Unlock the 43 nearby opportunities →Major (8+ unit) new-construction projects filed within a half-mile since 2022 — the density gathering around this site.