We were zipping around Fishtown the other day and happened upon some construction activity at 11 W. Thompson St., right near Frankford Avenue. Saint John's Memorial Baptist Church had made its home here for quite some time, but the building dates back to the 1800s when it was built for the 2nd Spiritual Church. The property was listed for sale about a decade ago and didn't find any buyers, then it changed hands at the end of last year.
The building is going through a complete renovation, with original window openings restored, the facade repointed, and the interior getting totally redone. Wondering who was behind this effort, we did some digging around and found some answers on Fishtown.us, along with some snark. It turns out structural engineering firm Larsen & Landis are moving here from their current digs at the Crane Arts Building. So you know for certain that this building is in good shape, structurally speaking.
On and around Frankford Avenue we see a ton of residential and retail development, but not so much in terms of office space. And we've got to say, it's a refreshing sight. The people who eventually work here will have all of Fishtown at their fingertips, with Kensington Quarters dangerously located around the corner and Front Street Cafe just a few steps in the other direction. And the mega-La Colombe is just a half a block away. So perhaps more offices will start looking to this area, you'd struggle to beat the lunch options. Or the happy hour options for that matter.