Independence Court Groundbreaking Bolsters Queen Village Residential Revitalization

Groundbreaking at Independence Court ( L to R), Mayor John Street, Joseph Ippolitio, Councilman Frank Dicicco, Joseph Ruggiero and Fred Tropea

Philadephia, PA – Queen Village residents and Philadelphia city officials recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Independence Court at Queen Village town home development. With this important step forward, local residents are anticipating the demolition of the neighborhood’s last industrialized block, and the emergence of new homes and renewed energy in community revitalization efforts.

Developed by Ruggerio Development Group®, and to be constructed by Tropea Communities, Independence Court town homes will encompass the city blocks between Christian, Queen and Swanson Streets. Industrial buildings on the site, most of them abandoned and in disrepair, will be torn down to make way for fifty upscale, semi-custom homes. Construction of the first community cluster is expected be completed by early 2005.

City officials present at the groundbreaking, including Philadelphia Mayor John Street, Councilman Frank DiCicco and Queen Village Neighborhood Association representatives applauded Independence Court as a project that will increase the community’s standing as a highly desirable residential community, enhance property values and strengthen Philadelphia’s image as a city of neighborhoods. The City is supporting efforts to attract buyers by including Independence Court in a special tax incentive program. The program provides buyers of newly constructed residential properties with a 10-year real estate tax abatement.

According to Independence Court Developer Joseph Ruggerio, “Queen Village is a wonderful neighborhood that offers great diversity in housing styles, shopping and dining options, cultural opportunities and historic landmarks. We are proud to be part of this community’s revitalization efforts and optimistic about the positive impact Independence Court will have on the area as a whole."

Independence Court will be constructed by Tropea Communities, a recipient of numerous awards for building design and quality. Tropea Communities President Fred Tropea noted that, “The builders, architects, and artisans who created Philadelphia’s early residences and commercial structures were meticulous craftsman who took the time to perfect every detail. We are committed to carrying on that same tradition in the design and construction of Independence Court.”

Independence Court offers four models with 2,700 to 3,000 square feet of living space. A variety of upscale amenities define the three-bedroom, three-full- and one-half bath layouts. Custom gourmet kitchens with granite countertops feature a breakfast room with double-door access to a wrought-iron veranda. The master suite boasts a custom bath with garden tub and large outside deck. Other standard details include custom trim packages in the living room and hardwood flooring in the kitchen, dining room, living room, breakfast room, powder room and foyer. All four models offer finished “bonus room” basements and one- or two-car garages. Ideally located just south of Society Hill, Independence Court residents will have easy access to Delaware Avenue and Interstate 95.

Fifty town homes are planned, with prices starting in the $500’s. Pre-construction pricing is currently being offered. “We are already seeing buyer interest,” notes Joseph Ruggerio. “In fact, five homes have been sold. That’s very encouraging considering we haven’t even begun major construction.”

For additional information about Independence Court at Queen Village, contact Dyanna Ruggiero Burns at (610) 358-4935 (email: druggiero@rdgllc.com) or visit the Tropea Communities web site at www.tropeacommunities.com.

Directions:
Take 95 North to Columbus Blvd/Washington Ave Exit (Exit 20), left at light onto Columbus Blvd, go approx 1/2; mile to left onto Christian St, site entrance on corner of Christian and Swanson St. Site is open Thurs to Sun from 12 to 6 PM.

Headquartered in Glen Mills, Pa., Tropea Communities and Ruggerio Development are premier developers and builders of single-home communities in Pennsylvania and Delaware. The companies share a commitment to creating outstanding residential communities through environmentally responsible land development, forward-thinking neighborhood planning, innovative home design and superior building practices.