It was probably a year ago that we first noticed that Rittenhouse Cleaners at 1703-05 Pine St. had closed down, though the long-time business was apparently closed for at least a year prior, if Google Street View is to be believed.

Two years ago

Recently, we’ve noticed that the storefront has looked increasingly shabby, and have found ourselves wondering how such a prime retail space could sit vacant for so long. After passing by today, we were finally inspired to do a little digging, and we may have stumbled upon some good news.

Current view

The property was purchased by a gentleman named Timmy Tang back in 2010 for $400K. At a price like that given the double-wide nature of the property and its location, it could have been on fire and we might have paid a price close to that. Good work, Timmy! With the good deal that he got, Tang has been taking his sweet time giving the property the attention it deserves. Last year, it seems he attempted to get zoning to convert the property into a five-unit apartment building with commercial in the front, but the case was never heard by the ZBA. Earlier this year, it appears he got an over-the-counter permit to have two apartments along with the commercial space, likely the use of the building prior to purchase. He’s pulled several permits in recent months for interior alterations, indicating that he’s finally investing in his property.

Whether the apartments will be rentals or condos, it’s likely that this effort will also include some cleaning up of the commercial space. We can’t find news of any tenant that’s yet been found for the space, but one would think that cleaning it up might help in the leasing process. And not for nothing, but a gross and vacant first floor space will make those apartments all the more challenging to rent or sell. Hopefully, the space will be cleaned up and rented, and the apartments will be filled with new neighbors in the very near future.