Developer PMJ Development LLC purchased 1519-21 N 16th St. earlier this year and is rehabbing the historic building and building an addition next door. The building itself is very unique, with bays the likes of which we’ve never seen in Philadelphia.

Something different, certainly

According to the minutes of the May meeting of the Philadelphia Historical Commission, the addition, which will sit on the lot to the south, will be based on a mansion that once stood on the site but has since been demolished. We think this refers to the building pictured below.

In 1971, from Phillyhistory.org

If the new addition will indeed echo this lost building, it should represent a nice addition to the area. Also interesting in the picture above, we can see what may have been the original look of the bay, which seem to be missing some windows today. We can only hope that they will be restored during the renovation process.

The new addition will only connect to the existing building at one point in the rear. Thanks to the suggestions of the Architectural Committee from the Historical Commission, the addition has been moved several feet away from the front of the property, to preserve the appearance of the unique bays.

The future foundation

A better look at the southern side of the building. Love the round window on the third floor

It’s a shame that the building has been allowed to deteriorate over the years, but hey, at least it’s still standing. We’re confident that before we know it, some college kids will have apartments in this really fancy and one-of-a-kind home, with just a few upgrades since its construction a hundred and twenty-five years ago.