Earlier this year, a tragic building collapse at 22nd & Market made national news. That corner, which was once home to a Salvation Army store, a former sandwich shop, and an adult bookstore, is now a dirt lot. Thousands of people have signed a petition to turn part of this parcel into a Memorial Park for those who lost their lives in the building collapse, but it’s unclear what the future will bring for this large parcel which is owned in part by the Salvation Army and and in part by “king of Times Square porn” Richard Basciano. What’s also unclear is what will come of the rest of this block, which is almost completely vacant at this point.

Looking down the block from 21st St.

Currently, only two buildings are in use on this block, from what we can tell. A parking lot close to 22nd Street remains in operation, as does the Engine 43, Ladder 9 fire house. It should be noted that in years past and for projects that now will surely never occur, Basciano attempted to purchase the fire house from the City. Somewhat ironic that a place that he previously hoped to take out of operation continues to serve the public while all of his buildings are now gone.

Next to the fire house

Next to the fire house are three vacant mixed-use buildings. Our attention was drawn to this corner a few weeks ago when the Papa John’s that had been doing business out of the corner space went under. Seriously, when does a Papa John’s close down? With that store closing, all three of these buildings are empty, at least on the first floor.

For many people who travel to Philadelphia by train and arrive at 30th Street Station, this is one of the first blocks they see when they enter our town. It’s really such a shame that this stretch has fallen into such a state, and we don’t see anyone coming to its rescue. So here’s our plan: condemn the entire block. Have the PRA purchase, for fair market price, all the parcels on the 2100 block of Market Street. Then raze the entire block. Put out two RFP’s to build large, mixed-use buildings on this block. Require that one of the developers build a new fire house. Require that the other project include a small park on the corner, memorializing the victims of the building collapse.

Without some serious leadership from the City, we fear this block will look exactly the same or worse in five years. With leadership and vision, we could have a new gateway into the City on Market Street. Wouldn’t that be nice?