Many people who have lived in the Graduate Hospital for awhile have probably walked by this building and wondered, “what’s up with this place?” This building is notable because of its enormous size, its unexpectedly poor condition given its location, and the word “Weaver” carved in the moulding above the front door. From what we understand, the building was once a funeral home, but hasn’t been used for that purpose for many years. Currently, we hear it’s used mostly for storage.

Side of the building, viewed from Fitzwater St.

This building has been owned by Harold Beale since 1976. Mr. Beale lives next door, in a building he has owned since 1970. According to public record, he hasn’t paid his property taxes on 740 S. 18th St. since 2000, and currently owes the city over $29K, including interest and penalties. For his residence, the delinquency stretches back to 1999 with a current tax balance of nearly $26K.

Behind a tree, a rotting, rusty bay window

As we mentioned in a post yesterday, property tax delinquency is a huge problem in Philadelphia, and based on that story, it’s not surprising that Mr. Beale has been able to hold onto his properties for the past ten years while not paying property taxes. It’s possible that a councilperson is looking out for him, or perhaps he has a payment agreement, or maybe the city just hasn’t noticed him yet. We can’t help but wonder what great improvements could be made to that corner if a new owner were to take possession and turn this eyesore into an asset for the neighborhood. Little help please, Mr. Mayor?