These days, it's become the norm to see old warehouses torn down in favor of construction of new homes. So when we heard that there was new residential development coming to the 1600 block of Mifflin Street, we were expecting that demolition would be part of the plan. A storage facility sits at 1618-22 Mifflin St., on the corner of Chadwick, and seems like an attractive development site. We're not sure what the building was built for originally, but we know it housed a wood working shop and a dance studio fifteen years ago thanks to an old listing.
Rather than demolishing the structure, developers are proposing to convert it into apartments. Next week, they'll be appearing before Newbold Neighbors to present their plan for nine apartments in this building. They'll also be adding a roof deck- but no parking. Refusals are for residential use, since the property is zoned industrial, and for a lack of five parking spaces. Clearly, an industrial use on this site is anachronistic. Considering the fact that the building has just under 10K sqft inside, nine apartments seems entirely appropriate. As for parking, we can't blame them for that, since there doesn't seem to be a way to make parking work on this site.
Down the street are a bunch of homes, and nearby are a couple of older warehouse-type buildings. Hopefully, the developers will get the necessary approvals, and this will inspire additional adaptive reuse projects nearby. With Renewbold just a block away, this area could soon see an influx of new residents. Can't say that would be a bad thing.