The once historic Blue Horizon boxing venue located on N Broad Street will be getting the uplift it has long deserved when it is transformed into a boutique hotel with spa, jazz club and restaurant. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission voted in support of a change in zoning that will allow an 8 story, 80 plus hotel room that will eventually be called the Hotel Blue on Broad.
Of course there may be a caveat or speed bump or two along the way. First off, the commission voted only in support of changing the zoning this real estate only, not the recommended block bounded by Broad Street, Master Street, Carlisle Street and Thompson Street. Commissioners voiced concerns about a large blank wall, which would be seen by those traveling North on Broad Street so recent renderings show several large murals filling the space.
Another hiccup is that the building is not currently listed on the local historic register even though is is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The developer is working with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to get listed in order to become eligible for associated rehabilitation tax credits.
Hotel Blue on Broad
The new boxing venue will hold 800 seats a considerable decrease from the 1,500 that Blue Horizon once held. The property will control more than 100 parking spaces on Carlisle Street alone, which will be adequate for the daily use of the hotel, and is in negotiations with the owners of an existing parking lot that stretches from Carlisle Street to 15th Street that holds 60 cars.
Architectural Drawings of Hotel Blue on Broad
