Despite the amazing growth on Frankford Avenue in recent years (La Colombe! New construction! The upcoming Kit and Ace!), it's still a corridor in transition. When you consider the number of projects we've covered on Frankford Avenue it's actually a little surprising that so many vacant lots and old industrial buildings remain. It's quite likely though, that if the momentum continues to build, there could come a time when all of the vacancy finally fills in. At least some of the vacancy is on the verge of disappearing at construction recently got started at 2006 Frankford Ave., a long vacant lot.
The project comes from a partnership between Domestic Goods LLC and JDT International. This project, which is called the Frankfordian, is designed by Canno and looks totally awesome.
The project calls for a mixed-use building with seven apartments and a bi-level retail space. We would have expected rentals but instead the developers are going the condo route, with a few of the units already listed for sale. The three units currently listed each have two bedrooms and two plus bathrooms and over 1,000 sqft of living space. Prices are in the mid-$300K range. The retail space is also listed for sale, at a price just shy of $400K. Regarding the residential units, we imagine they'll sell pretty easily, especially considering the excellent location. As far as the commercial unit goes, the developers could sell the space or lease it, either would make sense.
This project reminds us a little of Frankford Square, a project on the 1800 block of Frankford Avenue which has slowly come together over the last couple of years and also replaced a large vacant lot. That project calls for seven duplexes, each with retail space on the first floor and an apartment above. You can see, two are built and construction has now started for the rest. A project like the Frankfordian will allow for a larger single retail space which will, in theory, attract a bigger, badder business.
Projects like the Frankfordian and Frankford Square are continuing to improve the commercial corridor through a combination of new businesses and residents. And we expect to see more projects like them in the near future.