Huge Abandoned Building around Broad and Erie - Page 5 - PhillyBlog

From Philly · #41 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garofalofan

parking should not be an issue since what is really the issue is that the base of the local economics left the area for the suburbs and foreign lands, leaving behind these massive buildings. the white community is not going to invest in these areas, so the wealthiest of blacks are going to have to be the ones that invest in these areas. but first, the tax code is going to have to be reorganized.

So what you are saying is, unless Oprah or some players from the NBA invest in the Buery Building, it is doomed.

garofalofan · #42 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 04:08 PM

most likely, yes. but then again, hopefully, the local CDC or a charity or two could possibly do something with it. I know of a charity in Hunting Park that recently purchased a warehouse in that community and is doing wonders for that community. the same way 10,000 men can be organized to stop violence, i think the locals need to get organized and find a way to be financialy self sufficient.

From Philly · #43 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garofalofan

most likely, yes. but then again, hopefully, the local CDC or a charity or two could possibly do something with it. I know of a charity in Hunting Park that recently purchased a warehouse in that community and is doing wonders for that community. the same way 10,000 men can be organized to stop violence, i think the locals need to get organized and find a way to be financialy self sufficient.

I honestly don't think we can compare the Buery Building with a warehouse, but I do agree that a building that size can be put to good use, and help revitalize the neighborhood. They did it with the Packard Building and recently with Father Divines, Divine Lorraine Hotel. I am quite sure that if word got out that the Beury Building was going to be a moderately priced apartment building, businesses would be tripping over each other to open up shop.

JoeOlney · #44 (**permalink**) 11-02-2007, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dandelions

It's not rehabbed-at least as far I can see. Its so sad to see so many beautiful buildings like this just sit and fall apart. Even though I can see Temple owns some older buildings-they are just gated off and unused-I guess its better than nothing?

I did an architectural tour of North Philly a few years ago and was stunned at the number of gorgeous, historic buildings sitting in the middle of wastelands. It made me want to buy one of those beautiful old brownstones and fix it up, but truthfully, with kids, there's no way I'd live there.

Hi, I would love to take a tour like that of the area. What was the route you took? I was always a bit hesitant to wonder into the area without a clear plan

thanks
joe

streetworthy · #45 (**permalink**) 12-07-2007, 04:17 PM

parking is an issue for the smaller buildings and business in the area so imagine the impact, you have to live in the area to understand. Parking is only one of many issues, another is the economical base and the decline in surrounding neighborhood communities and the loss of industry. Temple is or another college institution may be the only type that could make this building feasible, and that would still be a challenge. Parking is not THEE reason. There are hundreds of possible divided spaces in that building do you think every single person that works there, or if residential, lives there; is going to catch the subway instead of drive? nine times out of ten the people that live or work in the building will be from somewhere else not from nicetown.

streetworthy · #46 (**permalink**) 12-07-2007, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WQstur

The area was able to handle it just fine before it was vacant.

Oh and heads up, a subway line is mere feet away from it.

i wouldn't say it's handled it fine because "It's Vacant" and has been that way for years, seems to me like it didn;t handle the parking or anything else "just fine"...

PJB123139 · #47 (**permalink**) 01-02-2008, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dandelions

Its on Broad St north of Erie (I am pretty sure). Does anyone know what it once was or the name of it? I have driven by it many times and just curious about its history. Thanks!

The building you are referring to was at one time the manufacturing site of Botany 500, located on the corner of Broad and Lehigh Aves. During the approximate time frame 1955 thru 1985, Botany was the largest domestic, ready-made men's clothing manufacturer in the USA. There were over 800 employees in the building who manufactured over 20,000 suits per week. The clothing produced was mid-quality and was the finest product of its kind produced. Botany was bought out by the owners of Segram's Distilleries. The city of Philadelphia, like many other cities, saw the loss of many of its manufacturing firms go to foriegn competitors because of lower labor costs.
Botany in it's hayday produced clothing for many notable sports figures, movie stars and TV celebrities. Check out Botany 500 on www.google.com
Hope the info is useful.

green77 · #48 (**permalink**) 01-02-2008, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garofalofan

most likely, yes. but then again, hopefully, the local CDC or a charity or two could possibly do something with it. I know of a charity in Hunting Park that recently purchased a warehouse in that community and is doing wonders for that community. the same way 10,000 men can be organized to stop violence, i think the locals need to get organized and find a way to be financialy self sufficient.

I'd imagine that from a developer's perspective that the numbers will not work for residential reuse- cost to rehab the building will be very high since it has to get refitted with modern utilities, elevators, wiring, heating, sprinklers- all of which can be done, if you can turn around and sell them at a good profit- my guess is that developers see the income levels of the neighborhood and the fact that it's a high crime area (note the police cameras) and stop trying to make it work. If Temple would be able to work with the city, the community (Tioga United CDC?) , and SEPTA to revitalize the Broad/ Germantown and Erie commercial corridor, then the nimbers might start to look a little better.
If the building can get a historic designation that would open up the door to tax credits too.

eldondre · #49 (**permalink**) 08-25-2008, 11:02 PM

http://jim-frizzell.com/2007_philade...own_avenue.htm
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/463580

Quote:

There's a good crepe cart on the west side of Broad just below Tioga. I'm not much of a fan of lunch trucks but this one is good--fresh ingredients and the cook (he's French) is a nice guy.
I like the breakfast all day at Erie Square restaurant, On Germantown Ave. just below Erie (about 1/4 block east of Broad and Erie). Not really anything special, just your basic diner breakfast, but good and cheap (under $2.50 for eggs, home fries, and toast).

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/463580

rickdogood · #50 (**permalink**) 08-26-2008, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by niel

Is this perhaps the old Stetson hat factory? I know it's up N. Broad there somewhere.

Sorry it's not the old Stetson Hat Factory. That was on Germantown Ave. around Columbia Ave. Stetson also had their own hospital and provided free medical care to all their employees. My mother-in-law worked there and my wife was born in that hospital.
I know it burnt down, sometime in the 60's-70's I believe.

The Bldg. above Erie, I believe is on the east side of Broad St. is
the Beury Bldg. and was owned by a law firm that occcupied it during the 80's.??. and by several developers since. No one has come up with the financing to renovate it properly.