Councilman moves to set stage for development of long-vacant parcel in South Philly

A Philadelphia councilman has proposed a zoning change to redevelop a long-forgotten piece of property. It’s one of the largest undeveloped tracts in South Philadelphia.

Vacant for years, the Broad and Washington property has served as the temporary home for Cirque du Soleil as well as among other large-scale events.

Striving to set the stage for a permanent use, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson said a zoning change to allow commercial and residential construction there would be good for the district and the city.

“Right now we are in the preliminary stages of a development project with developer Bart Blatstein to bring residential and commercial development to the abandoned lot at Broad Street and Washington Avenue,” he said.

Blatstein wants to build two 30-story towers and stores on the parcel. Construction could begin as soon as this fall if discussions over the summer are successful.