A large, vacant commercial space at 1222 Walnut St. was, for years, home to Stapler Dress N Drape. A large space in Center City, with a friendly staff, its existence allowed folks hunting for fabric to avoid the shlep down to Fabric Row. After it closed in 2006, the building was sold shortly after. It’s been empty ever since, but that could soon change.

Large space available

If you’ve ever been in the area, you’re well aware that there is no shortage of food or beverage options in this neighborhood. The company listing the space for rent, Fameco, has put together a handy retail map of the surrounding commercial activity.

Lots of logos

Interestingly, the owners of the property went to zoning today to get a variance for a sit-down and take-out restaurant with live entertainment, and a kitchen and storage in the basement. Despite the fact that the the 3,800 sqft first floor space has gotten a tremendous amount of interest, we understand it has not yet been leased. Impressively, the owners are proactively working to make it easier for a tenant to slide into this space, removing one of the more onerous hurdles to opening a business in Philadelphia.

Who would we like to see in this space? A national chain? A Stephen Starr or Jose Garces type of establishment? Or a one-off establishment, owned and operated by a little fish in Philadelphia’s big restaurant pond?