The Family Court building and neighboring surface parking lot near Ben Franklin Parkway could soon be the space of a new residential tower, writes Paul Schwedelson for the Philadelphia Business Journal. 

National Real Estate Development and Frontier Development & Hospitality Group have begun the planning process three months after winning the bid to develop the space.

The proposal includes building a residential tower at 1901 Wood Street that could stand around 30 stories tall and feature as many as 600 units. 

Another plan is for the long-vacant Family Court building at 1801 Vine Street to be converted into a 250-room boutique hotel, with a restaurant, bar, and event space. 

The developers are also planning a new 75,000-square-foot site for the African American Museum in Philadelphia, which is relocating from its current location; a 60,000-square-foot addition to the Parkway Central Library; 12,000 square feet of shops and dining; and the residential tower.

To build a tower around 30 stories, National Real Estate Development is requesting a zoning change from the city, which presently allows for buildings no taller than 125 feet — less than half of what would be needed. 

While specific plans are not yet finalized, senior director Bill McDowell wants to be ambitious in the approach.

Read more about the proposal at the Philadelphia Business Journal. 

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