About a month ago, we wondered what was next for Market Street West, inspired by the shuttering of adult-themed dinosaurs Les Gals and the Forum. Now, it seems that we at least have an idea of what will be the next step for several significant properties on the 2100 and 2200 block of Market Street- demolition.

Former Forum

Demolition notices on former Les Gals

As you can see above, the Forum is already well on its way toward being leveled. It’s a shame, if you ask us, to see one of the very few remaining cinemas in downtown Philadelphia demolished without fanfare, even though it was built in the 1970s and was probably unimaginatively gross inside. Meanwhile, just to the east, the former Les Gals will soon meet a similar fate, as will the long-vacant Hoagie City space, most famous for being featured in the opening credits of Trading Places.

According to Inga Saffron, octogenarian owner Richard Basciano plans to maintain surface parking lots on these parcels while he attempts to put together a larger development plan for them. Basciano hopes to cobble together several other properties on either block, including a fire station that the City seems uninterested in relocating. But this plan seems unrealistic for an individual of any age, let alone one who remembers the Great Depression, no? Like Saffron, we hope the City forces Basciano’s hand to either redevelop quickly or sell to someone who will by refusing to issue permits for surface parking lots.

And while they’re at it, maybe they could make the taxes on the soon-to-be vacant land appropriate relative to its value?