12-unit residential new construction, zoned CMX2.
A 12-unit residential building is set to rise at 3952-54 Lancaster Ave in University City & Powelton, the kind of by-right infill quietly reshaping the block. It was cleared to build in Sep 16, 2020.
The 4,003 sq ft site is zoned CMX2, which supports a building on the order of 3 stories by right. Records show the parcel last traded in 2022 for $955K. The plans call for for the erection of a three (3) story attached structure for use as vacant commercial space on the first floor, multi family (12 units) household living at rest of the building with a green roof and low-income housing density bonus applied. all work to be done per approved plans. building to be sprinklered per nfpa 13 system throughout. if field conditions vary contact design engineer prior to the start of any work. separate permits to be obtained for all other work. a covered walkway or sidewalk closure shall be required within 9.5 feet of the building façade in accordance with section 3306 of the 2018 ibc. separate building and/or streets department permit required prior to the start of any work.***2018 ibc*** [amended as of 12.23.2022: interior plan revisions to increase dwelling units to 15 (from 12), removal of projection bay (facing haverford ave.), and framing plans revisions.] [amended as of 4.27.2023: for special inspections, documents revision, and updates to the structural plans to show one bay along haverford ave. frontage.] [amended as of 9.20.2023: for revisions to the interior exit stairway enclosure wall assemblies and fire door ratings.].
The owner of record is Cja Real Estate Development LLC. 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, 12 other major projects have broken ground since 2022 — roughly 306 units of new supply — including the 14-unit project at 3932-36 Mount Vernon St, the 8-unit project at 657 N Preston St, the 10-unit project at 644-46 N 40th 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 84 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 84 nearby opportunities →Major (8+ unit) new-construction projects filed within a half-mile since 2022 — the density gathering around this site.