The 1700 block of Point Breeze Ave., which goes from Morris St. to Moore St., is a tough one to love. Shuttered storefronts, blighted buildings, and vacant lots litter the streetscape, with only a church and the Point Breeze Performing Arts Center providing some hope to this depressed stretch.

Looking up PB Ave. from Pierce St.

Looking south

Despite this, please notice the zoning notice on the dilapidated former mini mart above, located at 1741 Point Breeze Ave. According to the zoning application, the owners (or tenants, we’re not sure) intend to add two stories onto the building and create a House of Worship on this site. Uses will include prayers, religious classes, and lectures. The application also suggests that the new height of the building won’t exceed 35′, which we don’t believe to be possible unless the two new floors are exclusively for kids under the age of ten.

The former mini mart, up close. That's gotta be at least 20' already, right?

Hopefully, this religious institution will add new stability to the block, and will help it improve in the future. Kudos to this organization for taking a chance on an area that will greatly benefit from their presence.