I had a chance to tour the new Broadridge apartments located in the Fairmount section of Philly at Broad & Ridge. The New York City-based RAL Development Services officially opened Broadridge Saturday May 15th, a 478-unit apartment community whose official address is 1300 Fairmount Ave. The property includes 305,000 square feet of residential space distributed among 478 rental units that range from studio apartments to one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments within a 14-story building, which includes retail space as well as an Aldi supermarket and parking for the retail and residents.
During my tour of Broadridge I saw that a childcare business was also going to open there: Chesterbrook Academy Preschool of Fairmount, Philadelphia. The facilities are large, and included this adventurous playground with a view of Philly.
Broadridge will be the tallest structure in the surrounding neighborhood, with unobstructed views of the City skyline and views all the way to the Ben Franklin Bridge (great July 4th party views for the fireworks) and will benefit from a number of indoor and outdoor amenities. Outdoor amenities include two outdoor terraces (totaling almost 30,000 square feet) with swimming pool, grilling area, yoga lawn, dog run, and a sculpted event meadow.
screenshot
Really impressive amenity and outdoor space. Very spacious with southern and western views. Sun all day, especially noon to sunset.
Among the interior amenities is a coworking space conveniently located on the first floor. Additional indoor amenities include a grand-scaled, attended lobby, a lounge, a lavish fitness center with training rooms, a screening room, and a pet spa. Broadridge’s high design plays off Philadelphia’s history as a commercial and industrial hub and extends throughout all its amenities as well as its finishes and overall aesthetic.
The details and finishing in each unit were top of the line beautiful. I really like the color scheme, vibrant blue, reds and greens, colors which aren’t always used these days. Bold and beautiful. AND the views, every apartment has light and airy views, with the floor to ceiling windows. I thought the rental price was great as well.
This was definitely one of my favorite rooms, right near the rooftop dog park. It’s the dog wash room. You don’t have to navigate your shower/bath to clean Fido and then risk your house getting soaking wet when he escapes you. Also loved these popping colors.
Thanks Angela Calvanese TCS Management and Spencer Levine, Son of Robert Levine, the founder of RAL for giving me the tour last week.
I really like Broadridge. I think it’s a good value for what they offer. It’s on Fairmount and only about 2 miles from Fairmount Park for you runners and bikers, it’s close to Center City, transpiration, not far from the highway. Your not quite in Center City price, but your not so far that you can’t be there in minutes and you get to enjoy a spacious living environment which meets your every need. You had me at the VIEW!!
Happy Preakness Weekend. It was so great to attend the Radnor Hunt Races yesterday, an event I have attended for the past 12 years. This year was special, as has everything in the pandemic, crowds were kept down, there were no big sponsor tents and no one was allowed to cross the track, although a few people were able to connect with family members on either side. They did a great job, and raised more funds for Open Spaces, who’s mission raises fund for the Brandywine Conservancy protects and conserves the land, water, natural, and cultural resources of the Brandywine-Christina watershed. Head to CBSPhilly for more shots.
Speaking of Radnor, RHONJ Teresa Guidice enjoyed dinner with friends and her man Luis “Louie” Ruelas atEstia Taverna in Radnor, Pa. Saturday night. No tables were flipped, but I hear they were as nice as can be, and they enjoyed a lot of the highlights of the menu which keeps me going back for more.
A few weeks ago I attended a derby party co-hosted by Nate Rogers, who is the Spirits Marketing Manager for Makers Mark. He’s on Fox 29 Monday at 8:30am chitchatting about the best BBQ Cocktails for MAY, National BBQ Month.
Congrats to KWY Newsradio reporter Cherri Gregg who left the radio airwaves of the news station after 10 years, to start a new chapter just up the street at WHYY on June 14th. I know ya’ll already heard, but I am super excited to switch over to public radio and to join the team at @whyy. I am even more excited to serve Philly in a different way– this time as a HOST. Best part- you’ll know where and when to find me every day.
Last month Basketball Wives’ Reality Star CeCe Scott (wife of LA Laker Legend Byron Scott) showcased her post-Pandemic looks, “Fashion Meets Protection,” including one-of-a-kind jumpsuits, bedazzled masks, and face shields as top models strut the catwalk in one of the first celebrity fashion events in the New York. The show was followed by an elite listening event showcasing the latest creations of Philadelphia internationally known hip-hop artist Warchyld, hosted by DJ Envy of Power 105’s “The Breakfast Club”.
Fashionistas need to look no further than the latest pop-up shop to open in Suburban Square, ShopSixtyFive, which will host its grand opening event Saturday, May 22, 2021, 10a – 6 pm. The event will include small bites from the new Lola’s Garden, located next door.
ShopSixtyFive is the brainchild of former New York stylist, Linda LaRosa. LaRosa is a regular fashion contributor on many local news programs, including Fox’s Good Day Philadelphia and 6ABC’s FYI Philly.
Avram Hornik, FCM Hospitality, Philly’s prolific restaurateur behind Morgan’s Pier, Juno and Harper’s Garden held a preview dinner for his much anticipated Main Line eatery Lola’s Garden at Suburban Square on April 14, 2021, which opened the following day.
For Hornik, this brings his relationship and history with Ardmore and the Main Line full circle as he used to shop at this location when it was a Banana Republic years ago. In fact he’s painted a giraffe near the entrance of the restaurant to remind him of his days shopping there.
Opening in the red hot Ardmore restaurant scene, Lola’s will showcase the culinary skills of acclaimed former Russet Chef Andrew Wood. The seasonal menus will showcase uniquely paired, honest, local ingredients together with small bites, salads, sandwiches, entrees and desserts that showcase his culinary skills and artistry with a focus on not more than a handful of ingredients on the plate. Ardmore’s newest restaurant boasts a 1,800-square-foot restaurant (with a 2,500-square-foot outdoor patio) for guests to enjoy. , At the bar, look for a celebration of all things Pennsylvania with 15 all local and state beers on tap, and an entire wine program with taps and bottles showcasing the states best selections.
The invitation for the Grand Opening Preview of Lola’s Garden in Ardmore stated dress for a garden party, no one took it more seriously than Michelle “The Hat Lady” Leonard. She was dressed head to toe in green, and carried the cutest water bucket as part of her whimsical outfit.
Jennifer Lynn Robinson and Jaimi Blackburn
Jamie Singer and Karen Ebbert
Marlo and Jason Dilks the owners of Slice, and P’unk Burger in Philly
Missy Robinson and Tina Stoklosa, NBC10
Miguel Martinez-Valle, NBC10 and Ray Smeriglio
Kathy Stevens and Caroline O’Hallaron
Melissa Jacobs, Kory Aversa and Marie Edwards
Madison Cunningham and Monica Dougherty
Donna Coghlan, Ardmore, Elaine Grosso, Penn Valley and Jill Rizen
Jalesa Vick and Brittiny Stewart
Joy Medlock, General Manager of Suburban Square and Avram Hornik, Owner FCM Hospitality
Now that’s a welcoming, rainbow steps to greet guests!!
Jen Blauvelt, Owner at Location215 Philly / Owner JB Creative Productions and Kelly CG Edwards, Arts + Crafts Holdings
Kicking off Philadelphia’s long awaited spring season, Location 215 (990 Spring Garden Street) hosted a “spring garden” artist market earlier this month. Featuring a line up of owner Jen Blauvelt’s favorite local creatives, the space will house a unique pop-up shopping experience in addition to a designer showcase.
The modern space located in the heart of the spring arts district offers open spaces and an indoor/outdoor concept. Guests can look forward to a wide variety of creative vendors including handmade jewelry, plants and planters, home goods, apparel and accessories, macrame and fiber art, ceramics, health, beauty, and custom artwork.
In addition to local vendors the event will also include an all day, outdoor skate exhibition featuring Skate the Foundry at the entrance of Location 215 and a capsule installation featuring designs from the Made Institute student and graduate Designer Development program.
Location 215 is a modern, industrial venue with white walls and polished concrete floors covering the 7500 sq ft. space. Located in the Spring Arts District of Philadelphia, the studio is an easy access point to the entire city. Services include a photo studio, events space, and meeting venue for hire in the Spring Arts District. For more information visit https://www.location215philly.com/.
So great to see old friend Gary Krause and Jill Scarlett (c) of Scarlett Alley
It was wonderful to photograph this event again, last year they did have a similar, safe event, which was so nice to attend, so it was sentimental to photograph again, this year, as more and more of us have been vaccinated and it’s less stressful to get out and enjoy life. See you tomorrow on the pages of PhillyChitChat….
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms in the world, especially mine!! Ready for some News, Views, Schmooze…
Looks like PhillyChitChat will be heading to Camdenwood in August and September as LeBron James / Adam Sandler “Hustle” Netflik series returns to our area to wrap up scenes. Last year Adam Sandler and Queen Latifah filmed in Philly, until October when they halted production promising to continue in 2021, well now I know it’s late summer according to various sources. Lights, Camera, Action — Cue Camden! Robert Duvall is also in the cast.
Speaking of local film makers, congrats to Breaking Glass who with Blue Fox Jointly Acquire the SXSW Award-Winning Doc ‘We Are The Thousand’ via @Deadline You might remember Breaking Glass CEO Rich Wolff from the early days of TLA, and the Philadelphia FIlm Festivals. Founded in 2009 by industry veterans Rich Wolff and Richard Ross, along with Susan Helfrich (mother of Andrea Helfrich Host of NHL @philadelphiaflyers), Breaking Glass Pictures is a film distribution and media company that focuses on releasing independent films, inclusive of all genres, from around the world. I’ve known them for nearly my entire career as PhillyChitChat!! So happy for their success!!
6ABC and Gray Hall welcomes their newest meteorologist Brittany Boyer to weekends and back home to Philly where she grew up. Hello there! I’m Brittany Boyer and I’m a meteorologist in Pennsylvania. I grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs and am living out my dream everyday! I hold a degree in Meteorology from Mississippi State University. I also hold a degree in Journalism from Penn State University. She replaces Melissa Magee, she left the station last September to return to her family in Los Angeles. She now does the weather in LA at NBC4 News.
Speaking of Gray Hall, he cracks me up. You have to follow his FB page, besides informing us about what is happening in his life, he shares funny antidotes like above, which always puts a smile on my face.
Two local eateries have changed hands both on 11th Street in Center City: Lee’s Hoagies at 246 S 11th St is now going to be Huff & Puff BBQ. Smokin Betty’s is no more, it’s now going to be Top Tomato Bar & Pizza 116 S 11th St. Currently Top Tomato is located at 1107 Walnut St,, no word on if they’re keeping both locations. Thanks to Mike Saks for sending me these tips, they must be on his morning run as they came in two different days and he’s an avid runner. Plus he’s a fan of Primo Hoagies, so when you know you know.
We have a new Miss Philadelphia – Congrats to Elaine Ficcara. Head to Q102 and get to know her. Hopefully when more events return I will get to know her behind the lens.
What a miserable day today is , except spending it with our loved ones either in person or spirit, but the good news is as Adam Joseph posted, more daylight after 8PM until August 13!!! Check back with us here at PhillyChitChat as I have so many events to share with you. Business is starting to get back to normal, and that makes me super happy. Vaxed and Relaxed seems to be the theme…..
Wednesday April 28, 2021, Post Brothers and Keller Williams Black Label hosted an event for local realtors to show off the Atlantic apartment building at Broad & Spruce Streets in Center City.
The Post Brothers’ luxury apartment building which opened in 2019, was designed by Rafael Viñoly, the Uruguayan-born, New York-based starchitect who designed the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts across the street.
During the open house guests took tours of the building, as well as enjoyed food by Steak 48 steakhouse which is located on the ground floor of of the luxury building, a wine tasting by Delicato Family Wines, cocktails by Mad Drinks and Co.
Live art by Alloyius Mcilwaine, and music by DJ Xtina
Black Label Luxury Real Estate Managing Partners John Bolaris and Andrea Desy Edrei with Mike Skokowski
The Post Brothers Team at the Atlantic Anthony Scotland, Kristen Mauro, Najah Smith and Kevin Barney
Each unit is SMART and has an iPad that serves as the nerve center of the apartment’s controls, allowing users to program and adjust the climate controls, window shades and lighting from a single control point. All the electricity the building consumes is wind-generate. As a result, The Atlantic has earned LEED Gold certification for the environmentally sensitive adaptive reuse of its building.
Roof Top Playground
Roof top dog park
After the open house was over everyone got to take home a succulent, which have become very popular in the past year, as has luxurious, spacious living. Did I mention the full size, very equip gym. Check out The Atlantic For Yourself.
Hello PhillyChitChat readers. Sorry for the double post, but Philly is opening quickly. People are vaccinated, #vaxandrelaxed and they are eager to get out. I am being booked several times a week, which makes me so happy, and my Covid19 depression is in the rear view mirror. Also want to remind you if you are subscribed to PhillyChitChat before 2014, and receive the email around noon or 3PM, can you re subscribe at the top of the page on the left. Seems Feedburner is going away July 1. OK Let’s see what’s on the calendar of events.
Sixers standout Ben Simmons was spotted leaving Steak 48 last week by Will Helms (that dude gets so many sports snaps). Ben was celebrating the Sixers win last Wednesday with family, and his new lady love British Model Maya Jama. The two have even been spotted at a Target near Simmons house in South Jersey. He’s a regular guy, his last model squeeze Kendall Jenner got dates at Best Buy, where they bought a vacuum cleaner, Williams-Sonoma where they bought a few pots and pans and dining at Double Knot, Top Golf and the Cherry Hill Mall. Wanting to impress Maya he skipped Gran Luxe Cafe, where Bendall was spotted a few years back, and went to the very hot and happening Steak 48, where they are booked solid for weeks. I was able to get in last week and it was as always, delicious. (Ben SimmonsMaya)
Chit Chat and Chew during the Upcoming Restaurant Weeks in our Area
Spotted last night: Philadelphia Eagles safetyRodney McLeod & Saki at Estia and Gus from D’Angelo’s at Little Pete’s at 2400 Fairmount, yes there is one left.
May 17-28, 2021* $20 Lunch & $35 Dinner Enjoy special three-course meals at participating restaurants. Explore options for dine-in, delivery, or takeout today! *Not all restaurants are serving lunch, and not all restaurants are participating on the weekend. MORE INFO HERE>
May 6 – 16th: Ardmore Restaurant Week returns after a year off with 10 days of fixed-price lunches and dinners at new and familiar spots. Delice et Chocolat, Buena Vista Mexican, Hunan, Jack McShea’s, Marokko, Tired Hands Fermentaria and others are back with $20, $25 and $30 meal deals,
The GreaterPhiladelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GPHCC) proudly announces the return of Dine Latino Restaurant Week, taking place from May 5, 2021 (Cinco de Mayo) through May 9, 2021. Fueling the region’s food-lovers’ sense of adventure as they discover or rediscover Latino cuisine, the five-day culinary event will offer patrons one (1) complimentary appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two (2) dinner entrees.
Our friends at Chestnut Hill Business District will launch a new monthly series, Second Saturdays this Saturday May 8, highlighting Chestnut Hill’s vibrant arts scene. Each month, the event will allow the arts to come alive on splendid, tree-lined streets along the 7600 to 8600 blocks of Germantown Avenue. Additional Second Saturdays will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11, October 9, and November 13; rain dates will fall on the following Saturday. With live music, retail and restaurant specials, and family-friendly activities, Second Saturdays offer art enthusiasts, collectors, and casual spectators plenty of reasons to visit Chestnut Hill.
Another event happening on May 8, Philadelphia’s annual Love Your Park Week kicks off. This year’s Love Your Park Week features a mix of volunteer service opportunities and celebration of Philadelphia parks, both in-person and virtual. Love Your Park Week runs citywide May 8-16, 2021. All cleanup events will be capped at 25 total participants and will follow COVID-19 health protocols per Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health. All participants are required to wear masks.
Love Your Park Scavenger Hunt: For the first time ever, discover the fascinating facts and stories behind Philadelphia’s neighborhood parks by participating in a free Love Your Park Scavenger Hunt, launching May 8 and running until May 31. Scavenger hunters can participate by downloading the free GooseChase app to their smartphone and completing each mission at their own pace in various parks across the city (search for “Love Your Park Scavenger Hunt”). Participants who complete all missions during Love Your Park Week will receive prizes, including a Fairmount Park Conservancy membership and merchandise. Learn more at myphillypark.org/lyp-scavengerhunt.
Help BalletX Virtual Premier Party is Thursday May 6, honoring Heather Watts and Jane G. Pepper. It’s free, but there is a suggested donation. Each level brings value as well as swag for you. Click here for Info. Support local dancers, and Ballet X!! It’s fun and makes you feel so good.
SAVE THE DATE for this event which helps those in need dress for success on their way to a promising future: Celebrate a year in boxes and the success of our clients at The Wardrobe’s Virtual Interactive Party Wednesday, June 9. This year, you won’t just be watching a show, but coming to a VIP Event where our guests of honor – our clients – take center stage. Our goal is to raise $40,000 to launch our new Wardrobe Box Program throughout the region.
The party comes to you in an immersive event where you can choose your experience. Tickets start at $50 to view the program and higher levels give you the opportunity to toast with hors d’oeuvres delivered to your door, virtually network with fellow attendees, and even host your own VIP room. But your tickets today!
I’m going to miss this Saxby’s location at 18th and Chestnut Streets
Philly Chit Chat is available to shoot your parties, events, ribbon cuttings etc. Your photos will appear on my blog where I have over 41ks subscribers. I will also pitch your photos to various media outlets where I have agreements and they could be picked up by main stream media as well. INFO
David Atis, loan officer of Summit Home Mortgage; Solon Alpohoritis, principal of Philadelphia Signature Properties, Dafni Dimopoulos, realtor of PSP team, Joshua Giddings, branch manager of Summit Home Mortgage, Christopher Stevens, GM of Keller Williams Philadelphia and PSP partner; Rachel McCarthy, PSP marketing manager, Henry Berenato, PSP realtor, Clayton T. Pronold Esq., principal of Luxury Land Transfer title services.
Philadelphia Signature Properties (PSP) hosted their annual Spring Friends & Family Event in Philadelphia at Franklin Square Park, which coincided with the turning on of the Franklin Fountain for the season.
“We chose the Franklin Square as a launching point because of its key location in Philadelphia,” said Solon Alpohoritis, principal of PSP, “Its family-friendly amenities –including a mini-golf course, a carousel, a spectacular fountain show, and pavilion—really invite such group gatherings. When we were first brainstorming ideas, The Franklin Square became the best destination to pilot our first event.”
Christopher Stevens, GM of KW Philadelphia and PSP partner, Erin Stacia Stevens.
“As brand ambassadors of Philadelphia,” says Chris Stevens, General Manager of Keller Williams Philadelphia and PSP business partner, “it is part of our mission as realtors to support Philadelphia as a great destination to gather as it was before businesses shut down from Covid. For many of us on the PSP team, this was our first in-person gathering since the Covid shut down last Spring with extended team members at Franklin Square.”
Rachel McCarthy, PSP Marketing, and Sarah Ajodhasingh, Advance Philly & Resnick Development
Director of Growth Development Kevin Toll and his wife, Megan, of The Toll Group also attended the event with their two children. Toll heads the newest office location in Conshohocken as part of Keller Williams Philadelphia expansion into the Western suburbs.
Also in attendance was Steve Han (r) from the Wilmington, Delaware branch of Keller Williams with friend Ray Thacker.
Ryan McCarthy, Jennings Sigmond Law Firm; Sandy McCarthy, PSP client; Sarah (Bottom left) and Kaitlyn McCarthy, Philadelphia Teacher
Giorgo Economou, Regional IT Director of Seasons Pizza franchise (PA, MD, DE), and sister in law Dafni Dimopoulos, realtor of PSP team, with daughter, Elise;
Philadelphia Signature Properties offers real estate, mortgage, and title services supportive of luxury properties in the Greater Philadelphia region. As a one-stop shop for consultations to first-time home buyers, second home buyers, and investors interested in commercial and residential sectors, the PSP team is a collective of realtors, Summit Home Mortgage, Inc. team members, and Luxury Land Transfer title services. PSP is not exclusive to luxury price points. Their team brings 10+ years of real estate and marketing experience to meet all of their clients’ needs. Most recent luxury listings under Solon Alpohoritis’ helm include the sale of Hahnemann owner Joel Freedman’s home at 2100 Locust Street for $2.35 million and 923 Clinton Street, which went under contract at listing price in a matter of hours last Friday.
Vaxed and Relaxed seems to be the theme these days as Philly comes alive again with people out and about, and come out they did at the AOX Derby this past weekend in Old Kensington at The Secret Garden. (Who runs this, we need more events there.)
Local entertainment duo Jrn Aris & Timmo (r) put this event together
while sounds were provided by an afternoon of DJ’s including DJ Aktive, Mr. Hollywood DJ, Dj Heat & Eric Wortham,
sponsored by Makers Mark.
Timmo told the crowd that this is my first official sponsored showcase of talent in Philadelphia ,and this was created his cousin Jrdn Aris (right, with his parents and 90 year old grandmother) who helped me to create my style of music, he’s an amazing producer , singer , rapper and songwriter he’s the next Kanye West . Audio Oxygen is Jrdn’s creation and I’m honored to be a part of it as his first artist.
Honored at AOX Derby was cashmereeeeeeeeee (Donna Russ) for all the work she put into planning and getting the word out on the successful day.
Happy Birthday Millie
Candance Johnson, Mike Jerrick, Alex Holley and Timmo
Hire PhillyChitChat to get your event Media Coverage. INFO HERE. This party was seen on Fox29, CBSPhilly , here on PhillyChitChat and soon to be seen on Metro Philly. This party was not a hired event, I will cover events when time permits without being hired.
This year’s Bloom Philly! decorating contest has blossomed. From Fishtown to Ardmore, South Street to New Jersey, a total of 125 businesses and restaurants are decorating their businesses and creating delicious food and drinks in celebration of the upcoming Philadelphia Flower Show, “HABITAT: Nature’s Masterpiece,” June 5 – 13, at FDR Park in South Philadelphia.
The Bloom Philly! Contest serves two purposes — to raise awareness and attention for the Philadelphia Flower Show and to spread joy and cheer throughout the region by creating beautiful, floral-inspired décor and menu items that pay homage to the Flower Show’s legacy.
Public safety is a critical component for the upcoming Show and adherence to recommendations from the CDC and City/State health officials is paramount to Show planning. PHS will continue to work closely with health officials with updated guidance available at PHSonline.org.
All participants in the Bloom Philly! Contest receive two (2) complimentary tickets to the Philadelphia Flower Show. Winners of various competitive categories receive four (4) tickets in addition to the prizes offered by Bloom Philly! partners and sponsors, including premier Flower Show event and experience tickets, such as Flowers After Hours and complimentary food and beverage offerings at the Flower Show. Select winners will receive a cash prize courtesy of Clarke & Cohen, the Official Bloom Philly! Contest Cash Prize Sponsor.
