Record Year for Demolitions in Philadelphia

"Developers began tearing down a record number of Philadelphia buildings in 2018, with more demolitions getting started over the last 12 months than any other year on record," reports Ryan Briggs.

"Data from the city’s Department of Licenses & Inspections shows that the agency doled out permits that led to 514 demolition projects since the beginning of the year. That’s up from 491 permits in 2017 and just 151 at a historic low in 2009, in the wake of the 2008 housing crash," adds Briggs. Another 422 buildings deemed unsafe by city inspectors also faced the wrecking ball.

The team at WHYY News even mapped the proliferation of demolitions, showing a pretty clear geographic distinction between neighborhoods with lots of private demolitions and city demolitions.

Briggs also cites two experts, one from the local Building Industry Association and one a local preservationist, for insight and opinions on the year's demolitions.