With the success of Union Transfer, at 10th & Spring Garden, and the apparent popularity of the recently rising “Spring Arts” neighborhood, we’re wondering if developers will be attracted to a building that currently contains a Nationwide Auto Body, now for sale at 1221 Mt.Vernon St.

On Mount Vernon

On 13th St.

It’s available for $1.8M through Rust Real Estate, one group spearheading development efforts in the neighborhood. A former train shed, the 14K sqft building features ceilings as high as a church in some places, and large arched windows. The roof to its main brick entrance is tiered like steps walking towards each other from opposite directions. For a developer with the resources, the structure represents an opportunity for an interesting repurposing of an old building, or the potential for new development. Nationwide Autobody has operated in the building for at least 30 years and are prepared to vacate upon sale, according to realtor Lawrence Rust.

Another part of the building on Mount Vernon

Around the corner, the Church of Assumption at 12th and Spring Garden sold for about $1.75M in July. While plans are still forthcoming, perhaps that sale is an indication large-scale developers believe the area is worth the investment. With Blatstein’s North Broad vision, Blumenfeld, along with the rest of us, pining for the Divine Lorraine, and the spillover of Francisville development eastward, perhaps one day this area will stand as a revitalized area connecting Northern Liberties to Spring Garden. Nearby, at 9th & Mt. Vernon, construction on three more homes in the Spring Arts Point development started this month. Rust said he plans to build on through and complete the 21-unit Phase II.

Spring Arts Point Phase II

Could this be the next neighborhood on the rise? If the aforementioned North Broad developments materialize, it ain’t a bad bet.

–Lou Mancinelli