Along Frankford Avenue, redevelopment has been filling in parcels one by one like dominoes, as each new project seems to feed into the next. Johnny Brenda’s was a pioneer, anchoring Frankford Avenue at a hallmark location where it hits Girard. A few years ago, the opening of Frankford Hall heralded the beginning of big new things for the corridor. And the next big thing, coming soon, is the next-generation cafe from La Colombe. But Frankford Avenue development is not only about big projects or large, well-known businesses. It’s also about one or two-off residential or mixed use buildings replacing vacant land.

Take, for example, the 2400 block of Frankford Ave.

2400 block of Frankford in 2011

Last week, we spotted two new homes under construction at 2460-62 Frankford Ave., which you can see were very recently vacant lots. The lots were purchased a few months ago for $31,500, according to public record, which sounds like a great deal. Next door, a duplex was built over the last year or so at 2464 Frankford Ave., and was purchased in July for just under $400K. Considering rents in the area, the owner of this property can live in one of the units and have the rental unit pay most of the mortgage. Not a bad gig.

Three new buildings, two still under construction

Further up the block, a mixed-use project at 2476-78 Frankford Ave. which we originally brought to your attention over the summer is progressing nicely. That project will include five apartments and a commercial space, though we haven’t gotten any word on whether they’ve found a tenant yet. One space that has found a tenant is next door, where a new salon/boutique opened about a month ago.

Mixed-use building is wrapped in Tyvec, F.A.N. salon is in the two-story building next door

All of this building is transforming the block from blighted to blooming in a very short time period. Developers out there, please note that a few vacant lots remain on this block. Strike now and turn them into someone’s new home. Or new apartment. Or new coffee shop. C’mon, what are you waiting for?

–Lou Mancinelli