A construction fence appeared last summer at the southeast corner of 20th & Reed, a corner that's been vacant for quite some time. We were pleased to tell you about plans for a mixed-use building at the corner and a home next door, but we weren't exactly confident that a retail tenant would rush into a lease at this location. We wondered whether the developers were taking an approach we've seen in other neighborhoods, where a space is built out as commercial but transitions to residential for a lack of interest from businesses. Looking at the building, you can see that the first floor could work as either a business or an apartment.
But sometimes we're wrong and in this case it seems we were. And we're not sad to admit it.
If you take a close look at the window, you can see a letter has been posted.
The letter indicates that the developers are looking to open a luncheonette in this space. As you can see, the original application called for a take-out restaurant, but the proposed business will be a sit-down place for fifteen. We don't have much more info on the restaurant at this time, but we know how to learn more.
Tonight (Monday) at 6:30pm, at 1444 Point Breeze Ave., South Philadelphia HOMES is organizing a community meeting where the developers will present their project. If you think this is a great idea, we suggest you come out to the meeting and voice your support. We're not sure why someone would think this is anything but a good idea, but if you're on the fence you can hear the presentation and then decide for yourself.