Residential real estate transactions continued to edge up at the end of 2011 in Philadelphia, giving sellers and real-estate agents hope that perhaps recovery is on the horizon for the housing market. But it is important to note that full recovery is still a ways down the road.
Proposed treatment center gets a big boost in zoning dispute
The city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania has been the center of a contentious dispute involving the local zoning board. A local developer wishes to build a drug and alcohol treatment facility near a private school, and has met strident opposition. Critics of this effort say it's inappropriate to build a treatment center near a place where there are so many children. However, proponents of the facility received the support of former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Dickie Noles, who is a recovering alcoholic himself.
Prospective tenants think about converting schools
Real estate professionals are wondering what how to use 49 parochial schools scheduled to close in the Philadelphia area. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced this will be the final school year for 45 elementary and four high schools in and around Philadelphia. Each location is unique, real estate professionals said, and will require just the right use to fit the area and the architecture. There will no doubt be zoning and usage concerns for most of the properties, which can be sticky issues for developers.
More questions surround zoning of Philly courthouse
The construction of a family court building at Arch and 15th streets in Philadelphia -- long shrouded in controversy -- has hit another snag, with neighbors questioning whether zoning laws allow for an additional floor the architect wants to build.
Archdiocese likely to list mansion for sale
A prime piece of residential real estate will reportedly hit the Philadelphia market when one of the city's largest homes goes up for sale.
Foreclosed historic playhouse to reopen
A historic theater in New Hope, Pennsylvania, that fell into foreclosure has been purchased by an area couple looking to bring it back to its glory days.
