Philadelphia · West Central Germantown · #ZP-2024-012397
Five-story mixed-use building, 5932-42 Germantown Ave
5932-42 Germantown Ave, West Central Germantown, PA · 75 homes, mixed use
About this project
A five-story attached building with 75 apartments above two ground-floor commercial spaces and a 38-space parking garage at 5932-42 Germantown Avenue in West Central Germantown, Philadelphia.
Official description: FOR THE ERECTION OF AN ATTACHED FIVE-STORY STRUCTURE (55’) WITH DECKS ACCESSED FROM THE FRONT OF THE FOURTH FLOOR AND A ROOF DECK (RESIDENTIAL USE ONLY) ACCESSED BY TWO (2) ROOF-DECK ACCESS STRUCTURES. FOR USE AS TWO (2) VACANT COMMERCIAL SPACES (USE REGISTRATION REQUIRED PRIOR TO OCCUPANCY) ON THE FIRST FLOOR IN THE SAME BUILDING WITH MULTI-FAMILY HOUSEHOLD LIVING (SEVENTY-FIVE (75) DWELLING UNITS) FROM THE FIRST FLOOR THROUGH FIFTH FLOORS WITH THIRTY-EIGHT (38) ACCESSORY OFF-STREET PARKING GARAGE, TWO (2) ADA ACCESSIBLE SPACES INCLUDING WITH ONE (1) VAN ACCESSIBLE SPACE, TWENTY-FIVE (25) 1A CLASS BICYCLE SPACES IN AN ACCESSIBLE ROUTE. SIZE AND LOCATION AS SHOWN ON THE PLAN.
- Applicant
- IS JAM LLC
- Contractor
- BALLARD SPAHR LLP
- Plan type
- Building permit (new construction)
- Status
- Permit issued
Filing history
- 2025-05-07 · #ZP-2024-012397 · Building permit (new construction) · 75 lots/units
The full picture AI research · Nov 1, 2026
A developer proposes a five-story building at 5932-42 Germantown Avenue, next to the historic Germantown Town Hall. It would hold 75 apartments (studios, one-bedrooms and two-bedrooms) above two ground-floor commercial spaces and a 38-space parking garage. The building would be about 96,600 square feet.
The site now has a one-story building that was once a daycare, plus a vacant portion. The building is planned for demolition. Coverage says the project received a zoning permit in April 2024. As of late 2024 no construction was visible.
In September 2024 the city's design review committee voted narrowly to keep reviewing the design rather than end the review. Commenters raised concerns about the building's size next to the landmark, the narrow rear alley used for the driveway and by a police station, and the lack of affordable units.
What it could mean nearby
- Traffic and access: the garage driveway would use a 12-foot alley that also serves a nearby police station, and reviewers questioned whether it is safe.
- New homes: 75 apartments would add residents near the Germantown Avenue commercial corridor.
- Retail: two ground-floor commercial spaces (about 3,500 square feet) could add storefronts.
- Historic setting: critics say the building is too large beside Germantown Town Hall, a national historic landmark.
Where it stands
The design went through the city's Civic Design Review in 2024, and the committee voted to continue the review. The latest county filing is dated May 2025. No news after December 2024 was found, so the current status is unconfirmed. Next usually come final design sign-off, building permits, and demolition and construction.
- May 7, 2025 Latest county filing for the project
- Dec 2024 A news outlet reported construction was still pending, with no activity on site
- Sep 3, 2024 City design review committee voted 4-3 to continue the review
- Apr 2024 Zoning permit reportedly issued
Want to weigh in? The Philadelphia Civic Design Review committee, part of the City Planning Commission, reviews the design at public meetings. Residents can comment through those meetings and through local neighborhood associations.
Who's behind it
IS JAM LLC · IS JAM LLC is the applicant and owner on city filings, represented by a law firm. Coverage links the project to Iron Stone Real Estate Partners, and no company page was found.
Around the web
- Developers' Germantown Avenue building proposal advances amid design and community concernsResolvePhillyDescribes the design review vote, community concerns, the site's current condition and the zoning permit.
- Construction Pending at 5932-42 Germantown Avenue in Germantown, Northwest PhiladelphiaPhilly YIMBY · Dec 7, 2024Reports no construction activity as of November 2024 and confirms the size and architect.
- Germantown Avenue Town Hall apartment buildingThe Philadelphia Inquirer · Aug 20, 2024Covers the proposal next to Town Hall and names the developer.
- Germantown Info Hub coverage of the design reviewGermantown Info HubReports the design review committee's decision to continue review.
- A new apartment building will rise amid a group of Germantown landmarksWHYYLocal coverage of the proposed building among nearby landmarks.
Planning terms explained
- Civic Design Review
- A city process where an expert committee reviews the design of larger projects and gives non-binding advice.
- Mixed-use
- A building combining homes and businesses.
- Zoning permit
- City approval that a project meets the zoning rules for its site.
- Overlay
- An extra set of local rules layered on top of base zoning, such as for design or parking.
- Setback
- A step back of upper floors from the street to reduce the building's apparent height.
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: $42.0M
- ~2,400 roofing squares
- ~75 HVAC systems
- ~75 kitchens / 150+ bathrooms
- ~210,000 sq ft of finished living space
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