Converting Center City Offices Into Homes
When COVID shook up how we all live and work, Philly’s big office towers emptied out. Some workers have returned, but Center City is still hurting for people. Now, an office building at 17th and Market is slated to be turned into nearly 300 new apartments, the biggest office-to-housing conversion since the pandemic. Lead producer Laura Benshoff talks with Jake Blumgart, commercial real estate reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, about what these conversions look like, and whether they're the answer to Philly’s empty-office problem.
Read Jakes' reporting here and here.
Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly.
We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly.
Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Are Chattanoogans ‘Doing It Their Damn Selves’? — Presented By City Cast Philly
Sometimes it can feel like the Philly government is two (or more) steps behind the needs of its neighborhoods. Enter the residents of Cha...
Why You’re Breathing Hard, Slavery Exhibit Secretly Swapped & Parallel Parking Contest
It’s hot, hazy, and hard to breathe outside, so check Breathe Philly for the latest air quality conditions in your neighborhood. Also, th...
Philly’s Mexican Food Renaissance
A Mexican food renaissance is happening in Philly. Chefs at restaurants like Amá, Condesa, and Sor Ynez are telling stories of culture th...
The Deals, Delays & Drama in Harrisburg
After nearly two weeks of negotiations, Pennsylvania lawmakers passed a state budget. A $50.8 billion deal – sending more money to s...
Where Were You for the Microbursts? Plus: July 4th Hotel Boom & MLB All-Star Game Preview
The National Weather Service confirmed four microbursts hit the area on Saturday causing downed trees, building damage, and flooding. So,...
Where to Swim in Philly This Summer
Need to cool down this summer? How about swimming with horses or running through a Wissahickon-themed sprayground? The Philly region has...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Does Philly Have a ‘Perfect’ Airport? — Presented By City Cast Philly
There’s lots to love about Philly, but being able to get in and out of it easily and cheaply can be an underrated metric of its livabilit...
Epstein's Penn Connection, Mosque Damaged in Attack & Freedom Fuel Opens
Philly takes center stage as Freedom Fuel, the cheap gas stations promoted by President Trump, opened in the city this week. Executive pr...
Could SEPTA Be Your Next Landlord?
It's no secret that SEPTA is in need of stable, long-term funding. But the divided state legislature hasn't been too keen on allocating m...
Can the DSA & Democratic Establishment Co-Exist in Philly?
Lauren Rinaldi’s ascension to the No. 3 position in the city Democratic committee was seen as something of an olive branch to progressive...