We've had an eye on 718-724 S. 2nd St. for several years, first bringing the property to your attention back in the summer of 2011. Though the property has been on our radar for a remarkable five years, it's been a thorn in the sides of its neighbors for half a decade more. This stalled construction site has been a blight on the neighborhood for so long, but it looks like it could soon meet its destiny at last.
A reader tipped us off today that demolition notices have been posted to the property. This is very good news indeed.
About a year and a half ago, we told you that new owners had purchased the property and that neighbors and representatives from the Queen Village Neighbors Association were negotiating with them on the future of the blighted buildings on the site. The community wasn't confident that the buildings were structurally sound after so many years of sitting vacant, but an engineer's report indicated that it was safe. We also told you that the new zoning code would allow the owners of the property to build something taller than the stalled project, not something the neighbors were necessarily thrilled about.
Looking carefully at the demolition permits, it seems that some of the buildings are getting totally demoed, like the buildings on Monroe Street, while others are only getting partially torn down. As for what's next for this property, we certaintly have no idea. But the fact that demo notices have been posted give the best indication yet that this property, right in the middle of a lovely block, will finally get redeveloped. We wouldn't be surprised to hear about a block party held in celebration.