Post Brothers CEO Michael Pestronk wants to further invigorate Northern Liberties by adding what he calls “ambitious retail” to the fast-growing neighborhood, writes Paul Schwedelson for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

To do so, Pestronk is looking for high-quality tenants, and high-class operations with world-class operators.

As an example, he highlighted the French chef Laurent Tourondel’s BLT Restaurants group, which leased an 8,000-square-foot space at the Piazza Alta — also owned by Philadelphia-based Post Brothers — for a future restaurant.

“That’s an out-of-towner that didn’t have Philadelphia on their radar,” said Pestronk. “We explained why Philadelphia is a great place and why if you want to be anywhere in Philadelphia, this is where you want to be.”

Pestronk set turning Northern Liberties into a destination as one of his priorities.

He uses the example of the attractive food, beverage, and hospitality options alongside Frankford Avenue in Fishtown of what Northern Liberties can aspire to become.

Post Brothers is interested in developing office space in Northern Liberties to help cater to the growing population in the area.

His belief in the neighborhood’s potential was further solidified last year, when the first phase of Piazza Alta, which features 695 units, was leased up in 15 months.

Read more about the Post Brothers’ vision for Northern Liberties at the Philadelphia Business Journal.

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Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on PHILADELPHIA Today in December 2023.