A few individuals have indicated to Naked Philly that developer Michael Samschick has purchased the large vacant warehouse across the street from the Barbary, which stretches the length of the 900 block of Frankford Avenue from Richmond Street to Laurel Street.

It is huge

These people, a commercial real estate broker, members of local neighborhood organizations, and an urban planner all affirmed Samschick, through his company Core Realty, acquired the property and hinted that plans for the site may be forthcoming in the next month.

Looking toward Front St.

In January, we brought you a sneak peek of Samschick’s Penn Treaty Pennthouses, the upscale (control appliances with your smart phone while enjoying the Olympics on a flat screen in your jacuzzi) apartments overlooking the Delaware River and the Ben Franklin Bridge. (And check out PlanPhilly’s virtual tour.)

Pennthouses

While we have yet to determine the address of the warehouse building (98 Richmond St? 1002 Frankford Ave.?), it appears it’s slated to become the next phase of Samschick’s ambitious multi-parcel mixed-use waterfront vision, as mentioned in this Philadelphia Business Journal article. Mr. Blatstein, it seems you’ve got competition in the river wards. When announced, plans will first have to be approved by the Planning Commission and neighborhood organizations.

“We’re working with the city to determine the right public process,” said Steve Page of Interface Studios, the group helping to develop Samschick’s vision.

Future bowling alley plus venue?

One rumor we heard about the building was that it could someday contain a two-story bowling alley that includes a LiveNation space. But whatever it will be, we imagine the developer will retain and reuse and old building as well as improve the aesthetics of a block. Not too tough, considering that it now consists of the abandoned warehouse, some vacant lots, and a highway overpass.

With Sugarhouse Casino planning to build a hotel, and plans for a possible new residential tower next door, the Penn Treaty Village, and with Frankford Avenue receiving new interest from investors beyond the city, it seems Northern Liberties and Fishtown are set for another round of real estate development in the very near future. Looking forward to it.

–Lou Mancinelli