According to an article in today’s Inquirer, rumors are flying around that a large vacant lot at 5901 Ridge Ave. could soon become a Paunch Burger Wendy’s, and many neighbors are up in arms. The complicated recent history of this lot is likely fueling the outrage, so let’s take a step back for a moment.

Until a few months ago, this was the site of the Bunting House, a historic though not historically designated home that was a fine example of French-inspired Second Empire style architecture, according to Hidden City. The home was constructed around 1880 by Dr. Ross Richardson Bunting, a well-known physician and philanthropist of his time.

Bunting House. Image from Hidden City.

In 2011 and 2012, developers Frank and Anthony Giovannone purchased the Bunting House along with the three adjacent properties for $950K altogether. In September of last year, they applied for a demolition permit for all of the properties, without concrete plans for redevelopment, but with hopes to attract a national chain for the site. After three months of negotiations with neighbors, local civic groups, and the councilman’s office, the Giovannone brothers demolished all the buildings, leaving the vacant lot we see today.

Now a vacant lot

The Inquirer article features folks who are vociferously opposed to the idea of a Wendy’s on the site, like the person who started a Facebook page opposing such a plan. The page has over 300 likes to date. Other residents are apparently less concerned with the possibility of the Wendy’s, recognizing that neighborhoods will change and new buildings aren’t always improvements over what came before.

In our estimation (as non-Roxborough residents), it seems like much of the outcry is due to the fact that many people are still very upset that the Bunting House was demolished, and a ho-hum business like Wendy’s isn’t any kind of salve for them. While we would prefer to see a locally owned business here instead of a national chain, it seems that the neighbors would have few options, as this would apparently be a by-right application, presuming no drive-through is desired.

According to the owners, no lease agreements have been signed and the Wendy’s rumor is simply that. In the coming months, we’ll see if there’s fire where there’s smoke on this story, and will bring you updates as more information becomes available.