The art gallery conversion did happen. One of the rowhmes that was part of what was the mansion was covnerted into an art gallery. Then the owners split about 4 years ago or so and moved to New York. The art gallery rowhome later sold and is now a private residence. The remainder of the McIlhenny mansion was bought and the owners sought to tear down the rotunda section so that they coudl add on. I think this met with protest and I don't know where things stand on this now. This was perhaps 3 years ago or more.

Thanks for that info. Good to hear that at least part of it is being used for residential.

Whats the problem with removing the rotunda? Its fairly recent so it probably doesn't have any historical significance.

Changing anything in the Rittenhouse area is going to cause a big hue and cry. Take, for example, the on-going disputes over the Locust Club (which a developer wants to tear down to build a condo building) and the parking lot at 17th and Rittenhouse (which a developer wants to build a condo tower on).

The barber shop on 20th is undergoing renovation and should open, as a barber shop, on 7/19.

And indeed it did, name unchanged.

Meanwhile the former Crimson Moon is being gutted and apparently is part of the same project that is renovating the former Warren Art Books and the buritto place. There's an artists rendering of the retail restoration (presumably with apts above) in the window of the former bookstore.

__________________
Cheers,
Jayfar
--
“I am indeed well aware of the history of Conventional (sic) Hall, both globally and locally, and can assure you that we are carefully exploring avenues for its future.” -- Penn President Amy Gutmann 5 days before demolition began.

Correct, but a sign on the door now says the architect's office is closed and the building is available for sale or rent. ~800 sq ft (inc. upstairs apts I think), zoned C-1 retail.

__________________
Cheers,
Jayfar
--
“I am indeed well aware of the history of Conventional (sic) Hall, both globally and locally, and can assure you that we are carefully exploring avenues for its future.” -- Penn President Amy Gutmann 5 days before demolition began.

Jayfar et al:

Jayfar is a very conscientious fan of history and preservation, and I appreciate his efforts (especially in noting that there are trade-offs associated with new investment).

But why not relish the idea of the NEXT generation of ecclectic stuff generating and happening because there is increased demand, instead of wishing time stood still and nothing changes? Who knows---Jayfar IV might be trying to save the 10 Rittenhouse in 2105, or the hydrogen rafisterly shop at 20th & Walnut in 2087!!!!!!???????????


And is the latest fraternity "HI SIGN" asserting that we hate starbucks? (or even one-upping each other to prove I hate it MORE THAN you do, nya nya nya? Does that get us into a cool, elite gang that was ok with starbucks when it was cutting edge and until the riff raff started using it? And why not toss in an obligatory "Alabama" joke to boot? I guess that kind of discrimination is acceptable in our diverse world as long as we vote right (correctly, not "right"!)?

Starbucks are small, lots of people like it, and they signal an appreciation of land prices---the ecclectic stuff can regenerate and thrive on the fringe areas, and in a dynamic world that is not as ZERO SUM as many seem to assume, we can have the best of all worlds-----and a larger area getting reinvested and reused inside the city.

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SPM

Hehehe. But as a matter of fact, save for the unfortunate displacement of Crimson Moon, I like the renovations to the 3 buildings north of 20th & Sansom since they are being done as restorations, at least insofar as the exteriors are concerned.

I do hope the proprietor of Crimson Moon will decide to reopen elsewhere in the vicinity and I understand she hasn't ruled that out.

__________________
Cheers,
Jayfar
--
“I am indeed well aware of the history of Conventional (sic) Hall, both globally and locally, and can assure you that we are carefully exploring avenues for its future.” -- Penn President Amy Gutmann 5 days before demolition began.

no, it just shows you like good coffee. Much like drinking good beer means you put thought into your beer. That you demand more for your dollar than the cheapest crap a co can produce. The Crimson Moon made bad coffee too. I like the new comedy club on sansom though. check it out some time.

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"You down wit OPM?"
Fumo: "Yeah, you know me!"