After Years of Stagnation, Major Queen Village Housing Project Secures New Permits

A 63-unit apartment building at 1015 S. 3rd St. is moving forward in Philadelphia following a $3.5 million site sale and a newly issued zoning permit.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 6, 2026, 10:54 AM EDT

Source: JackPhillyRE’s Substack

From Demolition to Development

The property located at 1015 S. 3rd St. has remained a vacant lot since the mid-century inspired Love Kingdom Fellowship Church was razed nearly seven years ago. While an initial proposal for a 67-unit building passed through the Civic Design Review process in 2021, the project appeared to have stalled indefinitely. However, the site’s trajectory changed in February 2025 when it was acquired by an LLC for $3.5 million. This substantial investment signaled a renewed interest in the parcel, culminating in a fresh zoning permit issued in early April 2026 that slightly modifies the original plans to accommodate current market demands.

Strategic Density Through Housing Bonuses

The updated proposal calls for a four-story structure housing 63 residential units, a minor reduction from the 67 units envisioned five years ago. To achieve this density within the local zoning framework, the developers are utilizing both a green roof bonus and a mixed-income housing bonus. These incentives allow for increased height and unit count in exchange for environmental and social contributions. The unit mix is designed to be diverse, ranging from efficient studios to three-bedroom apartments, aiming to attract a demographic blend of young professionals and families to the South Philadelphia area.

Redefining Urban Transit and Parking

In a move that reflects changing urban planning priorities in Philadelphia, the 1015 S. 3rd St. project includes zero off-street car parking spaces. Instead, the development will provide 23 bicycle parking spots, emphasizing a transit-oriented lifestyle. While the lack of vehicular parking often sparks local debate, proponents argue it will prevent additional traffic congestion on the narrow 3rd Street corridor. The design by HDO Architecture utilizes an angled facade featuring red brick and modern paneling, intended to maintain a scale that complements the existing neighborhood fabric while maximizing residential space without the footprint of a parking garage.