The resurgence of West Girard Avenue in Brewerytown has been well documented. New restaurants like Rybrew and Shifty's Taco give residents new dining options. An old church is in the process of being converted into apartments. A giant vacant lot could be redeveloped into a mixed-use project. And there's a bunch of others, too. But there's still plenty of room for growth on this corridor. Vacant storefronts remain, the most interesting of which, we believe, lives on the 2800 block of Girard Avenue.
From what we can tell, 2836-38 W. Girard Ave. was built in the early 1920s, designed by Charles Schweiker. It was built as a satellite location for Jefferson Title and Trust Company, which was sunk by the Depression. By the 1940s, according to Land Use Maps, the building housed a liquor store. This remained for decades, and a United Bank branch eventually made its way here in the 1990s. Most recently, we think a self defense place had run of the building, and there was also a prominent sign for an ATM. Now, a sign on the door advertises the space being available for rent.
What would people like to see in this interesting building? In Center City, a few old bank buildings turned into steakhouses, but we don't think that' too likely in this location. Perhaps another restaurant could spread its wings here? Maybe an establishment that serves alcohol? Or would a non-food business be better here? Neighbors, let us know!
Out of curiosity, has anyone been inside this place before? Wondering if any of the original details remain.