- In West Philadelphia, new gated community sits side-by-side with public housing - Condo units, starting at $225K, aimed at young professionals Developer says ‘we’re changing the stigma’ Neighbors not so sure
From inside the new construction at West Village Condos, the view includes an empty warehouse across the street along with a relatively new public housing project. Metro: Rikard Larma
Comparison MILL CREEK
Who lives there: Mainly black residents with median household income around $25,000 Average home value: $36,000 for single-family homes Biggest amenity: ShopRite at 52nd and Lancaster Green space: Community gardens and some pocket parks Coming Attractions: Lucien Blackwell Community Center and Youth Study Center
WEST VILLAGE CONDOS
Who lives there: University City professionals Average home value: $225,000 for three-bedroom units Biggest amenity: Private one-car garage and roof deck Green space: Green roofs, energy-efficient appliances Coming Attractions: Small private park
WEST PHILADELPHIA . Standing at the corner of 48th and Brown streets in Mill Creek, some might see anything but luxury. The lone store — a Sav-a-Lot supermarket — closed its doors last week and an empty warehouse has sat vacant for years.
But developers Hillel Tsarfati and Moshe Barazani hope to change that. As builders of West Village Condos, an 82-unit gated community expected to open this fall, they believe they can attract buyers and other development to the neighborhood.
“We want people to come to this neighborhood. ... You cannot find anything [like this] 15 minutes from downtown,” said Tsarfati, who along with Barazani, came to the city from Israel. They are marketing the units to working professionals in University City with a starting price of $225,000.
The pair has done smaller projects in trendy areas like Northern Liberties and South Street, but West Village is their biggest project.
The community has seen a lot of new construction since the Philadelphia Housing Authority tore down the high-rise projects and built the Lucien Blackwell homes, a mix of rentals and for-sale houses.
Some neighbors are skeptical of the idea. Others are eager for change.
“I definitely welcome it as long as it looks nice,” said Latanya Williams, 32. “If it sells for what they’re asking, I think it’s going to boost the value of the [surrounding] homes.”
Steven Waley, president of the Men of Mill Creek community group, isn’t so optimistic.
“Sure, it would beautify the community, but I don’t know if you can call that the community, especially if it’s gated,” he said.
