Over in Fishtown, there are dozens of isolated properties that look like they could use some love. Some of them are vacant. Some are occupied. On Susquehanna, just below Girard at the corner of Harper Street, a block from I-95 and a few more blocks from the waterfront, a duplex that has seen better days is on the renovating board.

The property

Side view shows less ivy

Developers that are now renovating 1127 E Susquehanna Ave. appeared before the Fishtown Neighbors Association Zoning Committee last month in order to legalize their work. While this is nothing major, what’s important to note is that this type of appearance before the FNA is increasing in frequency. That means some of the aforementioned homes that could use a face lift are getting in the chair, so to speak. It could also mean developers are looking at some Fishtown properties that have perhaps been overlooked the past few years. The owners purchased the building from a bank back in June for just over $150K.

Looking down the block at I-95. Newer homes on the right, older homes on the left

This block has understandably gotten less love from developers, as it sits next to I-95 and and includes a gas station on the corner of Girard. With all the development taking place all over Fishtown and East Kensington, however, it’s no surprise to see new attention come to less than perfect locations. We would imagine that this will be a rental, and will produce a pretty good income stream despite the location.

We won’t be surprised at all if developers start looking more carefully at these blocks in between Girard and the I-95 in the years to come. Who knows, at this rate, could we be writing about market rate development in Norris Square next?

–Lou Mancinelli