What We're Reading: Week of July 12, 2021

Here's what we're reading this week about the projects, people and policies driving local development:

Inquirer Opinion: I was responsible for building safety in Philly. We don’t need more codes to prevent another collapse

by Bennett Levin, for the Inquirer, July 19, 2021

Philadelphia Business Journal: The CEO of Philadelphia’s largest commercial real estate brokerage steps down after two years

by Natalie Kostlini, July 14, 2021

Philadelphia Magazine: Jake Blumgart reports on how a shift to work from home during the pandemic may impact how many rail commuters return full and part time to Center City based jobs

by Jake Blumgart, June 5, 2021

Inquirer: As Council recesses for the summer, Lauren Vidas calls for members to start a public, open process towards the required redistricting process due to be completed this fall to redraw the ten Council District boundaries based on the 2020 census data

by Lauren Vidas, June 24, 2021

Philadelphia Business Journal: Life Sciences buildings continue to command a premium in sale of buildings in the Philadelphia region

by Natalie Kostelni, June 23, 2021

Philadelphia Business Journal: While some companies have been relocating from suburban locations to Center City in recent years, Radian’s post-pandemic move is from 1500 Market to King of Prussia

by Natalie Kostelni, July 2, 2021

Philadelphia Business Journal: Knoll, the Montgomery County based commercial furniture manufacturer, is being acquired by Michigan based Herman Miller in a $1.8 bn deal that will set up Knoll as a wholly owned subsidiary, after Knoll suffered a 13% decline in sales during the pandemic

by Natalie Kostelni, July 15, 2021

Philadelphia Business Journal: Brian Cohen detailed information about the first 45,000 first phase of its Navy Yard development plan, highlighting the $1bn Diversity, Equity and Inclusion aspects of the overall Environmental, Social and Governance plan for the twenty year build out of 109 acres of PIDC controlled land

by Laura Smythe, July 13, 2021

Philadelphia Business Journal: Hilco provided an update on the progress it is making on demolition, environmental remediation and minority and female hiring goals at the sprawling refinery site in Southwest Philadelphia

by Natalie Kostelni, July 14, 2021

Philadelphia Business Journal: Mortgage foreclosures will be allowed to resume after August 31st, but with certain restrictions and guidelines

by Andy Medici, Updated June 30, 2021

Philadelphia Business Journal: Build to rent is a growing trend among developers in suburban areas, especially in fast growing metros. Although not a major factor in Philadelphia, the national trend is fueling housing debates locally as well

by Ashley Fahey, July 2, 2021

Commercial Observer: In what could be a model for our area, a DC area –based fund has been set up to finance developers of color with new housing developments in the District

by Keith Loria, July 8, 2021

Brookings Institute: A major downtown redevelopment project in Portland Oregon provides a model of intensive equitable inclusion starting at the initial planning stages

by Meg Walker, July 12, 2021

The Pew Charitable Trusts: Pew has announced $3.2mm in new grants to support post-pandemic equitable health efforts, including a smaller amount to rebuild public spaces at Bartam’s Garden after heavy pandemic usage

Press Releases and statements, July 13, 2021

Philadelphia Business Journal: Greystar is planning a 399 unit new apartment building at 12th and Sansom Streets with ground floor retail, as citywide rents are dropping and 10,000 new units have come to the market

by Natalie Kostelni, July 6, 2021

Philadelphia Business Journal: Small and medium scale development is filling in the gaps and vacant buildings along the Germantown Avenue corridor in Wayne Junction to the far end of Mt Airy

by Natalie Kostelni, June 18, 2021