loft district: building next to Shoe Factory lofts - Page 4 - PhillyBlog

sam · #31 (**permalink**) 12-30-2007, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jizay

I'm telling you, one of the developers in the loft district screwed zur's significant other. There is no other explanation for why he pops up on every single loft district thread and goes on the same one-note tirade. He consistently makes no sense at all, gets completely out-debated by one or two or more other posters, and then comes back and does the same thing next time.

It's really no point, but I'll say it again: The loft district takes next to nothing from the city in services and pays way more per capita than most of the NE neighborhoods that zur is so in love with. If zur was rational, he would be thrilled to be stealing the revenue that we provide the city while asking absolutely nothing in return. Case in point:

Real big on saying where we send money, real short on saying where it comes from. Get a clue. I don't have parks and schools and didn't ask for them. I'm simply paying a disproportionate amount of money for others to have them. What sane person would complain about that?

Back to the point of the thread...

From everything I have heard, nothing will happen to the building at 12th and Vine in the near future. The project was ill-conceived and is not projected to be profitable enough to move forward right now.

I may be really out of line and this is a guess.....but......I was at the last Zoning Hearing for the building and Capanella Construction was the 'developer' or a 'partner'. With the amount of times that building has been flipped, and with their Old City project taking a while(......once again I think they are partner at 3rd & Vine.....and with asking prices of $600/sq ft).....I can't see that project getting developed for at least 5 years.

Mixiboi · #32 (**permalink**) 12-31-2007, 04:14 AM

So who do I talk to to save this historical building?

Because if some tiny ugly annex of a building can be called "historical" and saved, then this graffiti covered masterpiece can be saved.

pmac · #33 (**permalink**) 12-31-2007, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theLovebelow

So who do I talk to to save this historical building?

Because if some tiny ugly annex of a building can be called "historical" and saved, then this graffiti covered masterpiece can be saved.

"Masterpiece" is taking it a bit far, as there are many similar commercial structures located throughout North Philly and Kensington. As compared to the "ugly annex" you're talking about, this building also was not designed by a famous architect. The real issue is that it is centrally located, an eye sore, obviously not secure, and in very real danger of being burned down by the vagrants that live there. There's nothing to save though - it's still there - what you want to do is redevelop it.

As far as who to talk to about "saving" the building.....since it is one of the only large buildings left in that area that has not been redeveloped into residental space, I think you need to talk to developers, bankers, financiers and any of your friends and family members looking to invest some cash, and try to convince them that you have a project that is economically viable. Clearly the current and recent owners of the property have failed in that regard.