A nearly $3M deal will soon translate into Loonstyn Properties constructing two new six unit buildings just north of 20th & Fairmount, as well as renovating 20 existing units along Fairmount Avenue. This past November, Loonstyn Properties purchased 2001-2011 Fairmount Ave., a strip of buildings on the same side of the street as Eastern State Penitentiary, as well as vacant lots at 702-04 N. 20th, and two garages on Capital Street.

Row of buildings

Lots on 20th St.

Garages on Capital St.

The renovations will include refabricating some facades to be more like their original condition, according to Bill Loonstyn, of Loonstyn Properties. He said, while plans are still being finalized, he intends to highlight an intricate cornice on the first floor and style the facade in a Victorian fashion.

The hardware store will close next month for renovations, and the vision of Fare (the organic restaurant across the street) operators Andy Siegel and Sava Novrosidis will be implemented. The spiffed up hardware store, when it opens, will also offer new items like plants and trees.

Fairmount Hardware last week

The purchase represents yet another move by Loonstyn Properties in the Francisville area. You may recall, a couple of years ago, they built a large, mixed-use project down the block at Uber & Fairmount. They've been involved in plenty of other projects nearby in the years since, and it will be interesting to see just how quickly this project joins the parade.