Hahnemann Conversion Receives Permits Before Anti-Housing Proposal Could Block It

Plans to convert several former Hahnemann University Hospital buildings appear to be moving forward despite the efforts of the neighborhood’s council member.

After Dwight City Group spent $16.25M on the properties in October, Council Member Jeffery “Jay” Young Jr. proposed a bill last month that would ban residential uses in an area including the site at 222-48 N. Broad St., overlooking the Vine Street Expressway. 

Days later, on Dec. 24, the developer secured permits for a 361-unit project on the site, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. That entitled project is larger than the previous 288-unit plan and now includes ground-floor commercial space.

Construction can now move forward even if Young’s bill is passed after the city council returns from its break Jan. 22, but the developer is taking a collaborative approach.

“We are working along with Councilman Young and the community to ensure that this project meets the needs and goals of the district,” Dwight City Group CEO Judah Angster told the Inquirer.

The lawmaker previously pitched the bill as a way to preserve jobs in his district, and it appeared likely to pass due to Philly’s councilmanic prerogative tradition, which means other members of the body typically avoid opposing a district member’s bill if it only affects their territory.

Still, Young’s proposal drew backlash, including from housing and transit advocacy group 5th Square. The organization circulated a virtual petition calling for its withdrawal earlier this week.

“The site on Broad and Race Street lies on top of an express subway stop, and benefits from proximity to Center City jobs, shops, and cultural amenities,” the petition page says.

“Since the shuttering of Hahnemann in 2019, the site currently provides little value to Philadelphians or tax dollars to the City, despite its central location.”