Proposed 68-Unit Apartment Building for South Broad
The five-story residential project in Philadelphia now faces a critical City Council vote on its zoning status.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Commercial
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Developers are proposing a five-story, 68-unit apartment complex for a surface parking lot at 1328-36 South Broad Street in Philadelphia. The City Council is considering zoning legislation to allow for the mixed-use building, which would replace the current site used by Baldi Funeral Home.
Why it matters
The proposal marks a shift in land use for the corridor, as developers deem the site economically unviable for traditional rowhouses. Securing approval for this higher-density project requires a specific zoning change currently under legislative review.
The proposed 68-unit building features 52 one-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom apartments alongside 44 parking spaces. The plan also includes 2,500 square feet of commercial space, replacing a surface parking lot currently zoned for single-family rowhouses.
The players
Philadelphia City Council
The local legislative body responsible for reviewing and voting on zoning changes that dictate what property owners can build.
South Broad Street Neighborhood Association
A community organization that negotiates benefits and development design standards with developers on behalf of area residents.
Baldi Funeral Home
The current operator of the parking lot at the proposed development site.
The details
The project uses an existing curb cut on Reed Street for garage access to accommodate 44 parking spaces for residents. To secure support from the South Broad Street Neighborhood Association, developers limited the building to five stories and removed studio units in favor of larger apartments. The plan includes a spa, roof deck, and courtyard amenities.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: Legislation was introduced to rezone the site for mixed-use development.
October 15, 2026: The Planning Commission conducted a review of the project.
October 20, 2026: A neighborhood meeting was held to discuss the development plans.
October 27, 2026: The Rules Committee is scheduled to consider the zoning legislation.
Money Landscape
The proposal follows a recurring trend in Philadelphia where developers seek zoning changes to shift from single-family rowhouse designations toward higher-density, mixed-use buildings. This move highlights the ongoing economic tension between preserving low-density zoning and increasing unit supply.
Residents should monitor upcoming zoning hearings if they live near the 1328-36 South Broad Street site, as property tax assessments and local traffic patterns can shift with large-scale developments. Any significant changes to the project's scope will be finalized during the City Council legislative process.
The takeaway
This development highlights the shifting density expectations along South Broad Street as developers prioritize multi-family projects over rowhouses. Homeowners should track upcoming City Council hearings to understand how local zoning adjustments may influence property values and neighborhood density.
Further reading
For broader trends in local real estate, see Philadelphia Commercial.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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