It was just a few days ago that we told you about a Fishtown church getting converted into a funky office space for a structural engineering firm. At the time, we commented that it seems we rarely cover construction or renovations for new office space. And yet here we are again today, telling you about a rather similar project just a few blocks away, though we confess we don't have as much information this time around. A reader tipped us off last week that 1100 N. Front St. was gutted recently and is now getting renovated. This building, which sits pretty much under the El, was home to General Marine Refrigeration for many years.
New owners purchased the building at the end of last year. Since they've taken over, they've removed all the old windows, they've closed up some of the old window openings, and they've created some window and door openings too. Also, it looks like they've repointed the facade.
According to the permits for this project, the building is, like the former church from last week, getting converted into office space. Unlike the situation from last week, we aren't clear on who's moving into the building. Will a single company take over the entire space? Or will the building house multiple businesses? Has anyone in the neighborhood heard any specifics about this project? We admit, we have more questions about this project than we'd prefer, but we're unquestionably pleased to see this old building getting a new lease on life and strongly endorse a reuse of this nature for a building so close to the El. At least in an office building, nobody will be trying to sleep through the racket of trains passing overhead throughout the wee hours of the morning.