Bad Bays

Photo: Brownstoner Philly

I have recently read stories on Plan Philly and Brownstoner Philly about new construction bays.  I myself have noticed the new bay windows that are completely devoid of the charm and character we come to expect from this architectural feature.  In an effort to create the most amount of livable square footage, developers have created huge box bays.  These windows are typically covered in stucco or other price conscious materials.  They also take up much of the facade of the building.  Graduate hospital and Washington Square West neighbors are calling the city in droves to complain.  Brownstoner featured the efforts of the South of South Neighborhood Association to get clarification on/changes to the zoning that has allowed these bays to be approved.  Recently the residents of Bradford Alley in Wash Sq. West have encountered the wrath of the bays.  Plan Philly reports on a colossal new construction duplex that received approval to build only 2 1/2 feet from the street then began to build protruding bays.  Neighbors feel it blocks sunlight to the street and hurts the historic charm of the street.  Below is a picture of the Bradford Alley new construction.  Hopefully the attention to this particular new construction aesthetic will help bring about some changes.

Photo: Plan Philly