Philadelphia · Rittenhouse · #ZP-2024-011187
415-17 S 15th St
415-17 S 15Th St, Rittenhouse, PA · 36 homes, apartments
About this project
Consolidation of two adjacent zoning lots into one lot, plus a four-story addition and roof decks to create a 36-unit multifamily building on S 15th Street. The existing building qualifies as a historic structure.
Official description: PERMIT FOR THE RELOCATION OF LOT LINE TO CONSOLIDATE TWO (2) ZONING LOTS (PREMISES “A”: 415-17 S 15TH ST.), (PREMISES “B”: 419 S 15TH ST.) INTO A SINGLE LOT (PARCEL A”); SIZE AND LOCATION AS SHOWN ON THE PLAN. FOR THE ERECTION OF A FOUR-STORY ADDITION ATTACHED TO AN EXISTING FOURTH-STORY STRUCTURE AND A FOURTH-STORY ADDITION OVER AN EXISTING THREE (3) STORY PORTION OF THE STRUCTURE WITH MULTIPLE ROOF DECKS AND BALCONIES ON THE LOT. FOR USE AS MULTI-FAMILY (THIRTY-SIX (36) DWELLING UNITS) HOUSEHOLD LIVING (OPTED FOR UTILIZE THE USE REGULATIONS FOR CMX-3); SIZE AND LOCATION AS SHOWN ON THE PLAN. ** THIS PROPERTY SATISFIES THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN SECTIONS 14-602(7)(a)(.1) AND 14-602(7)(a)(.3) FOR HISTORIC STRUCTURES. NO SIGN ON THIS APPLICATION.
- Applicant
- PA SOC TO PROTECT, CHILDREN FROM CRUELTY
- Plan type
- Zoning Board appeal (Variance)
- Status
- Zoning Board: Complete
Filing history
- 2025-01-14 · #ZP-2024-011187 · Zoning Board appeal (Variance) · 36 lots/units
The full picture AI research · Nov 1, 2026
The proposal joins two neighboring lots on S 15th Street in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse area into one. It would add a four-story addition and roof decks to the existing historic building. The result would be a 36-unit apartment building.
The county record says the existing building qualifies as a historic structure. City Historical Commission records show the project was reviewed for rooftop additions and a four-story rear connector. The reviewer noted the new work would be hard to see from the street and is meant to look clearly modern next to the old building.
No news coverage, developer project page or zoning board decision was found. The filing lists a nonprofit animal-welfare organization as the firm on record. Who will occupy the units and whether the project has been approved are not confirmed.
What it could mean nearby
- Adds 36 homes in a dense, walkable area, which could help local housing supply.
- Preservation review aims to keep the historic street-facing look, since the addition is mostly out of public view.
- Traffic, parking and school effects are not described in the sources found.
Where it stands
The Historical Commission side appears to have reached a final-approval stage in late 2024. No zoning board outcome was found, so the current approval status is unconfirmed. Next steps usually are zoning relief if needed, then building permits.
- Jan 2025 Latest county filing for the consolidation and addition
- Nov 2024 Historical Commission final-approval review file for 415-19 S 15th St
Want to weigh in? The Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment hears variance requests and accepts public comment, and the Historical Commission reviews work on historic buildings; check phila.gov for current hearing notices.
Around the web
- 415-19 S 15th St final approval Nov 2024City of Philadelphia · Nov 19, 2024Historical Commission review file describing the rooftop additions and four-story rear connector, and that the work would not be visible from the street.
Planning terms explained
- Consolidation
- Merging two or more adjoining lots into a single legal lot.
- Variance
- Official permission to depart from a zoning rule, such as height or density limits.
- Historical Commission
- The city body that reviews changes to buildings on the historic register.
- Contributing building
- A building that adds to the historic character of a designated historic district.
Researched by AI from public sources on Nov 1, 2026. It can make mistakes, so check the linked sources and the municipality before relying on it.
Scope estimate for contractors
Estimated construction value: $8.6M
- ~216 roofing squares
- ~36 HVAC systems
- ~36 kitchens / 72+ bathrooms
- ~36,000 sq ft of finished living space
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