Proposed Mixed-use Project Would Replace Metal Doors on Frankford Avenue
Friday, May 16, 2014
A long time coming
In Fishtown, the Frankford Avenue commercial corridor is in the midst of a major upswing. Zoning applications have been popping up on different blocks for several years now, and the tide continues to swell. This spring that theme is continuing, particularly along the 1500 block.
Current view of 1512-18 Frankford Ave.
Developers appeared before the Fishtown Neighbors Association in April with plans to build three four-story buildings with ground-floor commercial at 1512-18 Frankford Ave., and members of the FNA zoning committee supported the project. The mixed-use redevelopment will replace a parking lot blocked off by a metal fence, and is designed by Harman Deutsch. This is the third foray on Frankford Avenue for Carmel Developments, who also built a four-unit building on the 1200 block and are now finishing up a project on the 2400 block. Like their other projects, this one will have a unique look to it.
Project rendering
Surely, neighbors have waited a long time to see these lots redeveloped, and now it finally appears to be on the horizon. And that's not all for this block! The Philadelphia Record Exchange moved here last year, as did Blue Cadet. There's a newly renovated space for rent at the end of the block. Though the planned Starr-Olexy restaurant fell through, there's a renovated former warehouse that will surely find a tenant soon. Yes, Frankford Avenue continues to improve and evolve, and it should be interesting to see how it continues to change as the new project on the block comes together. We won't even speculate on retail tenants yet- by the time the thing is built, who knows what else will show up nearby on the corridor?
by Lou Mancinelli
Naked Philly.