(Not that I'm Chris but) development seems to be in progress on that building- for several months there were "For Sale" signs from a real estate speculator, but they have recently been replaced by a development company's signs (sorry, don't remember which). It would be nice if something connected to the London Coffee House's history went in, even if it is a morally ambiguous history- Philadelphians met there to plot the advancement of their own liberty, and to buy and sell other humans at the same time.

Also on that block, the erotic cakes bakery is out and an old-fashioned ice cream fountain is in. (Just checked them out on the web; it turns out that they open TODAY for the season. http://www.franklinfountain.com/menu.html ) As much as I mourn for the loss of an easily accessible source of erotic cakes, these guys seem to be have good motives and community spirit; let's hope they're successful.

Damn, dude, that sounds like a copy-and-paste straight from the "Why would you even want to live in the city anyway?" files of my suburban aquaintences. No, there's no Applebee's or Outback around, but you actually can somehow manage not to starve to death...

London Coffee Shop is correct. Once a slave market (upstairs) as well as one of the places where the American revolution was fomented - well, at least some of the Philadelphia portions. And, more than coffee was served.

Building was owned by Rimmier. About ten years ago, it was slated for redevelopment as a bed and breakfast - with a small restaurant/bar on the first floor. That produced the replacement windows which are visible and are about ten years old.

Unfortunately, the mechanical systems were so shot that the prospective developers (a NY group) back out.

Currently the building is owned by Dr. Michael Yaron, who has proposed a small hotel (backed off that one) as well as the ubiquitous condos. I have no idea where he is on it now.

I suspect that the idea that major construction will take place (perhaps) right across Front, I-95 and Delaware) hasn't enhanced his ability to figure out what should happen and to sell the project.

Also, since the earlier plans included major work on the "scissors" ramps leading from Penn's Landing to Market Street, he would be hit with construction on both sides.

I think he has packaged the corner, along with a number of the buildings along the 100 block of Market (where the message places used to be :roll: ).

I've always wanted that corner rebuilt - along with a new London Coffee House (it can still sell more than coffee).

__________________
“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.” - Jane Jacobs

These lofts are located at:

32-34 North Front Street

Thanks again to the Board and its members.
This end of Front Street is on the way up.
Numerous condominium projects are underway.


D & M Development
(610) 656-6800

Some properties just end up being "cursed" - vacant a long time, plagued with problems, etc. Thanks for the info, guys. I agree some connection with the place's checkered past would be good. Perhaps a small wall-mounted display about the dual uses of the house in the 18th century.

Ah, just above Luca's. We're these part of the old Girard Trust buildings - or the Frank Winne warehouses?

What's going on the first floor. You're not (are you) the buiding with Jim Curry's office on the first floor.

__________________
“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.” - Jane Jacobs

Speaking of which, what is up with the old Helena's restaurant building? Its been vacant for 4 years despite being on one of the hottest blocks in OC.

Yes, The green facades. The buildings have two separate entrances and the building was legally breached. The first floor may be commercial in the front and residential at the rear. We have access to the rear of the property through an alleyway easement.

We have another building in the Old City area which will be ready in the next couple of months.

The building on Front Street has two sets of windows facing I-95/Penn's Landing to reduce noise. This system works excellent.

D & M Development
(610) 656-6800

I'm just glad to see them done . . . and people in them.

These have been an eyesore for so many years, especially to the folks on Cuthbert Street. It was a constant battle with City Trusts (Girard) to even keep them from falling down. So many of the old warehouses and merchantile buildings along Front have been allowed to fall down or have been torn down - especially to your south.

Hope you are successful - and hope you get some retail in the front. Obviously, the difficulty is that there is so little foot traffic on that block - or on the 100 block of Market (especially now, with Metropolitan Bakery moving out). About the only thing to draw folks down is Shanes and Drinker's Tavern.

__________________
“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.” - Jane Jacobs