A previous version of this story  incorrectly stated that A&R Development in Baltimore, MD was the developer of the property.

Another large new apartment building is going up on Germantown Avenue, this time replacing the now-demolished Comer Paper & Party building at the corner of Washington Lane.

Construction has already begun on the project, which is slated to include a four-story building with 47 residential units and 41 parking spaces. Parking for the large new structure, which sits across the street from the Johnson House historic site, will include two accessible, three compact, and three electric car spaces. It will also have 21 bicycle storage spaces.

The Germantown United Community Development Corporation is pleased to see changes coming to a corner that had languished as an eyesore for decades.

"We are looking forward to seeing this corner activated after many years of deteriorating conditions," said Julie Stapleton-Carroll, board president. "Greater density, if developed with the input of nearby residents and businesses, would definitely benefit that stretch of Germantown Avenue."

Still, neighbors say they are not in communication with the developer and they have no idea what is planned for the ground floor commercial space. According to plans on file with the city, the first floor will feature non-residential commercial space facing Germantown Avenue, a residential entryway, bike storage and a place for trash.

Project plans submitted to the Department of Licenses and Inspections show parking spaces underneath the second floor and behind the first floor commercial space. The plans also show a shared residential roof terrace on the fourth floor.

During public meetings between the developer and the local Registered Community Organizations (RCOs), several members of the community expressed their desire to see a sit-down restaurant on the first floor.

"The community really needs a sit-down restaurant that stays open later than 3 p.m. in Germantown, in this district," Rev. Chester H. Williams, the president of the Chew and Belfield Neighbors Club RCO.

Williams had been in communication with the owner of the property, who he says agreed that a first floor restaurant would be a good idea. As the process has gone on and the developers took over, he says there's been little to no communication between the developers and the coordinating RCO.

The Local has not made contact with the developer listed as AR DEV 2 LLC.

On that strip of Germantown Avenue, there are very few restaurants within five blocks in either direction. Williams still hopes that one will open on the first floor, believing it's something the community needs, however, he is unsure what the current plan is.

Williams also raised concerns about flooding in the area, as further construction sprouts up. He feels that the issue of flooding needs more attention before more projects begin building in the area. Flooding in Northwest Philadelphia has been an ongoing issue for many years.

The project required approval from the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) for several variances. The building height and lot coverage required approval as the building takes up nearly 80% of the property, which is more than typically allowed in the zoning code.

Passersby can see the brunt of the building's frame and shape completed. It is unclear when construction will be completed.