Members of the Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA) have reached a compromise with owners that will mean improvements to an empty but extremely nice looking home on the 2000 block of Race Street.

A small three- to four-employee family operated business will occupy the first-floor of a three-story row home located at 2030 Race. Street. According to public record, the Garvey Institute, a Montreal-based (yes, Canada) charity, purchased the home this August for $900K.

The building

“You don’t wanna go beyond there,” said Ed Panek about the agreement reached between LSNA and owners. The agreement states current owners can use the first-floor as office-space until they either sell the building, or cease to use the first-floor for purposes of their business. At that time, the agreement ends. Panek said LSNA was willing to compromise in the name of the improvements owners will make to the house.

Franklin Institute construction across the street

Logan Square has been home to recent plans for big development, mixed-use and otherwise. First, there is 19th and Arch, where two different mixed-use residential buildings are being constructed on different corners. And half a block west, at 21st and Race, plans for eight million dollar-plus luxury custom townhomes were presented to the LSNA in September. While office-space is a use LSNA prefers to stave away from certain residential blocks, this is an example of realizing a well-kept house is more important than holding out for a buyer to make improvements. And with Whole Foods, now located at 20th and Callowhill, likely on the move, there could be another large commercial opportunity opening up in Logan Square soon. We’ll be staying tuned to watch how the development of those towers at 19th and Arch proceed. Hopefully, they’ll provide something of an additional residential boost in Center City.

–Lou Mancinelli