Several readers have reached out to us over the last few months, wondering about the Frankford Chocolate Factory at 2101 Washington Ave., and specifically asking us what's up with the 'X' signs that appeared on the building of late. We're sorry to say that these signs are not an indication that the building is the endpoint of a treasure map, nor does it suggest that the building has taken up an interest in comic books or Bryan Singer movies.
It's really quite banal, it's just an indication of something that most people in the neighborhood already know- that the building is vacant. While all the neighbors know that the building is empty, firefighters might not have that information. And should the building happen to catch fire, this information will guide first responders in dealing with the situation, indicating that they should not enter the building.
So there you go, consider the X situation explained. We must say though, the reality that makes the 'X' signs necessary really bums us out. For those unfamiliar with the history of this building, it was built in the 1860s as a wallpaper factory and was later the American Can Company and later still a warehouse for John Wanamaker. Frankford Candy made chocolate rabbits here starting in the 1970s and left the building a little over a decade ago. Despite a couple of development proposals in the intervening years, the building has been sitting vacant even since Frankford Candy left. You may remember, we told you over a year ago that new owners had come forward to buy the property, paying $7.8M for the massive structure. At the time, we didn't know much about the developers or their plans for the property. And we're in the same boat today.
This parcel would make for an amazing adaptive reuse project, with a mix of apartments, retail, and parking. Of course, demolition is still a possibility, as we don't believe the building is on the local historic register. Or, alternately, the building could just continue to sit vacant as it has for so many years. It's worth noting though, that Washington Avenue West is finally seeing the light, with projects finally moving forward at Broad Street and 25th Street. For something to happen here, to bridge the distance between the two projects, that would truly be epic. We just hope it happens soon, while the corridor has some real momentum.