Over the past few months, a couple of readers have reached out, wondering what’s up with the fenced-in lot next door to South Square Market, near 23rd & South. It does seem strange indeed, considering both the long-term successful retail mix on this particular block as well as the rapidly disappearing South Street lots as you head further east. So why does this lot remain vacant?

The market

The lot next door

Looking at the vacant lot on the map actually provides some insight:

Next to the market

As you can see, the lots with buildings are shaped very differently. This lot is extra wide and extra shallow. This doesn’t mean it couldn’t support a commercial structure, but it does demonstrate a difference from the other lots on the block.

Looking at public record, we get our answer. The owner of the lot is Lynne Maxwell. Ms. Maxwell also, it turns out, owns 2216 Naudain Street, #D. Looking at the listing from when the property was purchased a decade ago, the large South Street lot isn’t a vacant lot, waiting for development, but instead a large side yard for a resident who lives next door. Not a bad amenity, if you ask us.

Not bad at all…