It was over four years ago that we first brought 135-37 N. 3rd St., the former Samuel Machinery Company building, to your attention. At the time, we noted the terrible condition of the property, prominently located in the middle of Old City, and wondered when or if it would get redeveloped (or fall down of its own accord).
About a year later, we learned that the folks that bought the property at sheriff's sale in 2007 were finally moving forward with a renovation of the building, having been delayed for years by litigation. Scaffolding went up a little while later, and it's stayed up ever since. The building has been hit with a collection of violations over the last few years, facing stop work orders and additional litigation. In recent months though, some neighbors indicate that the pace has accelerated and that progress is finally apparent at the building.
It looks like the very top of the historic building has been repaired and restored, with new windows in the old window openings. An old plan would have meant fourteen apartments above ground-floor retail, but a zoning permit from a couple weeks ago suggests that there will be sixteen units of "visitor accommodation" on the upper floors. Perhaps Old City is getting another hostel? A large Airbnb building? Honestly, we don't even care what happens inside at this point, we're just incredibly excited to see that the renovation effort is finally showing some signs of progress. After so many years of dragging down this block, it's possible that this building's status will soon change.