We got an email from a reader over the weekend asking about a recently demolished parking lot on the 1800 block of Ludlow St., and we were initially excited about new development in a very central location, albeit on a block with some sketchy history. You may remember a Hertz rental car company operating out of 31 St. 19th St. for several years, and using the garage on Ludlow St. for its fleet.

From the past

Same site today

The former Hertz on 19th St.

With office buildings a half a block away, we were anticipating some compelling and exciting development on Ludlow St., but are a little disappointed with the plans for the site. According to the zoning application, the owners of the property, South 19th St. LP, have applied to use the site as a surface parking lot, with fifty spaces. After doing a little digging, we discovered the parent company of South 19th St. LP to be the Parkway Corporation, owners and operators of numerous parking lots all over town.

On the plus side, Parkway also does real estate development, having been involved with 1706 Rittenhouse and part of the group bringing a hotel to 12th and Arch Sts., across from Reading Terminal Market. So we’re optimistic that, if an opportunity presents itself and the market will support it, development could come to this location. We hope that this future parking lot isn’t destined to remain as much forever.

Some pretty undesirable businesses are just down the street

In the meantime, we imagine massage parlor customers will be grateful for the additional parking.

Sigh.