New details and renderings have emerged for a major residential development planned at 914 South Broad Street in South Philadelphia's Graduate Hospital neighborhood. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission's Civic Design Review committee recently received a comprehensive submission outlining plans for a seven-story, 84-unit multi-family building that would transform a prominent Broad Street site.

The proposed structure will occupy a lot stretching from Carpenter Street to the south up to Montrose Street to the north, directly facing South Broad Street. Dranoff Properties is developing the project, with JKRP Architects handling the design. The building will feature 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, residential units ranging from one to three bedrooms, a fitness center, a club room, and a rooftop deck. Parking accommodations include spaces for 20 cars and 28 bicycles.

The development enjoys an excellent location relative to public transportation and downtown Philadelphia. It sits just two short blocks north of the Ellsworth-Federal Station on the Broad Street subway line and three short blocks south of the South Street Station on the same transit line. City Hall is approximately 20 minutes away by foot. The site previously housed a McDonald's restaurant featuring the chain's iconic double-arched architectural design until recently.

Developer Carl Dranoff brings extensive experience to the Graduate Hospital area, having completed several landmark residential high-rise projects along South Broad Street over the past two decades. His portfolio includes notable developments such as Symphony House and Arthaus, both located in the Avenue of the Arts section of South Broad Street. These previous projects have helped define Philadelphia's skyline and established Dranoff as a major player in the city's residential development market.

While the current proposal represents a solid addition to the neighborhood, some observers note that the prime, subway-accessible location could potentially support a taller, denser development. Such an approach would bring additional much-needed housing units to this high-demand area of South Philadelphia. However, the project as currently designed still offers significant benefits to the Graduate Hospital community.

The architectural design pays homage to Philadelphia's traditional building vernacular through several key features. The extensive use of red brick connects the new structure to the city's historic architectural character. Large, loft-style windows will provide abundant natural light while creating visual interest along the street. The building maintains a continuous streetwall, contributing to the urban fabric of South Broad Street. A particularly notable design element is the subtle yet eye-catching rounded corner facing the intersection of Broad and Carpenter streets, which serves as the composition's centerpiece.

Detailed plans submitted to the Civic Design Review committee include comprehensive floor plans, building sections, elevations, and material schedules. The documentation also features landscape plans and a sustainable design checklist, indicating the project's commitment to environmental responsibility. Multiple renderings show the building from various angles and in different lighting conditions, providing a complete picture of how the development will appear once constructed.

The ground-level retail component is expected to energize the streetscape and provide services to both residents and the broader community. This mixed-use approach aligns with current urban planning principles that emphasize walkable neighborhoods and reduced dependence on automobiles. The building's amenities, including the fitness center and rooftop deck, cater to modern residential preferences and should help attract tenants to the Graduate Hospital area.

Overall, the 914 South Broad Street project represents a promising addition to the Graduate Hospital neighborhood, despite arguments that the site could accommodate higher density. The development balances contemporary housing needs with respect for Philadelphia's architectural heritage, while contributing to the ongoing revitalization of South Broad Street. Progress on the project will be closely watched as it moves through the city's review process.