The recent history for the building at 1101 Frankford Ave. has been storied, no doubt, though its early history is even more interesting. This structure was built in two phases in the 1850s and was first used as the Landenberger Hosiery Mill and later as part of an elevator factory. As recently as a couple years ago though, the building was sitting vacant and blighted, tied up in tax delinquency and litigation. We were cheered in the spring of 2014, when we learned that new ownership had stepped in and that a redevelopment plan was finally set to move forward.
We passed by the building the other day (before the snow, thankfully), and it occurred to us that the renovation efforts appear to be complete. A reminder, the renovation converted the industrial building into 15 apartments with parking and a ground-floor retail space. Check out the new and improved building:
For those that can't quite read the signs in the window, Fishtown Brewpub is the business that will be taking over the space on the first floor. According to their Facebook page, construction is progressing inside and they're hoping to open their doors later this spring. Not only will this business add to a block which already boasts Barcade and the various places around the Fillmore, but it will also lead the way for a burgeoning brewpub scene in Fishtown, with Evil Genius opening this month on Front Street and Goose Island coming soon. Neshaminy Creek, which was also scheduled to open a brew pub on Frankford Avenue, has apparently seen that project fall through.
This end of this renovation effort marks the end of a transitional time for this intersection. Half a decade ago, two corners of Frankford & Wildey were sitting vacant and blighted. Now Frankford Lofts is fully occupied and the building at 1101 Frankford Ave. is filling in as tenants sign leases. Quite the change for this little section of Frankford Avenue. And while the surrounding commercial corridor is great and always getting better, the ridiculous proximity of old school video games might be the greatest selling point of all for these units.