A month ago, we passed along the information that the former Engine 46 firehouse at 1401 S. Water St. could soon meet the wrecking ball. This 19th century building was most recently home to a steak house, but has sat vacant since 2006. Meanwhile, the UA Riverview Theater next door has continued to attract the crowds as one of downtown Philly’s only first-run theaters.

Wonderful building

When we checked in last month, nobody was able to get in touch with the owners, Cedar Riverview LP, a New York based company that also owns the cinema next door. With no historical designation for the building, and no ability to have a conversation with its owners, preservationists and members of the community feared that the building would be taken down without so much as an opportunity to convince the owners to pursue an alternate approach. And when a new demo permit appeared on the building last week, it seemed like its demolition would be a foregone conclusion.

But yesterday, Plan Philly shared some news on this subject that many Pennsport residents will cheer. District Councilman Mark Squilla received a call last week from representatives from Cedar Riverview, agreeing to meet with the Councilman and members of the community before undertaking any demolition efforts. This meeting will not come with promises that they won’t ultimately demolish the building, but at the very least it will bring the neighborhood into the loop and give folks some insight into what the owners are thinking.

And hey, if folks can convince them otherwise, maybe they’ll just keep this attractive old firehouse around for a few more decades. Wouldn’t be the worst thing, if ya ask us.