Neighbors OK Carson Street Switch From Garage to Home

In what Manayunk Neighborhood Council President Kevin Smith called a "straightforward plan," neighbors approved a garage-to-home conversion on Carson Street.

Property owners Marian Marchese and Stephen Phillips proposed turning a garage at 174 Carson St. into a three-story, single-family home. The civic group approved the move earlier this month, and Smith submitted a letter in support of the project.

The Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a hearing March 27 at 9:30 a.m. View the application here.

Bordering the back of , the property will add a 24.4-foot-by-42.5-foot addition (approximately 1,060 square feet per floor) on top of the existing garage. The garage will remain, thus reducing parking impact.

A rooftop deck is also in the plans.

"It's the first time someone approached about this property, and we've worked well with the property's attorney," Smith said.

Future Zoning Plans

In the coming months or meetings, the Manayunk Neighborhood Council should see more zoning issues than in March.

Smith said a development project is in the works for the old Italian Club and its garage at 4147 and 4149 Cresson St. Developers have approached the group before on that property, he said, but nothing ever materialized.

Additionally, the former store is finalizing plans for its iconic building at Cresson and Levering Streets. Smith said a yoga studio downstairs and apartments upstairs are proposed.

Jane Lipton, executive director of the , said the MDC voted to approve the project Wednesday.

The Manayunk Neighborhood Council will discuss the Propper Brothers property and other matters at its next meeting, April 4, at the MDC.