Over the years, many readers have asked us about the southwest corner of 23rd & South, which sits adjacent to a triangular mini-park centered around the recently reactivated Catharine Thorn fountain. Right on the corner is a surface parking lot which may or may not have ever been legalized. Along South Street is a building that has housed space belonging to the Newman Galleries, though we’ve never heard of any exhibits there. And along Grays Ferry is what appears to be a vacant old firehouse. It seems clear that this corner is ripe for redevelopment.

The corner

What looks like a firehouse on Grays Ferry

And redevelopment is apparently just what’s coming here. According to the SOSNA Zoning agenda, developers will be presenting tomorrow night to construct a five-story building at this site with 24 apartments and a commercial space on the first floor. One would have to assume that this would mean the demolition of the existing buildings on the site, which would indeed be a shame. We’d be particularly bummed to see the Grays Ferry building come down, eliminating an example of unique architecture in this neighborhood. These old buildings are disappearing at an alarming rate.

So what will fill the commercial space? Well, let’s just say it won’t fill any needs in the neighborhood whatsoever but will still be extremely popular and successful. It’s a national chain that thrives on lots of transactions and requires plenty of foot traffic. It’s based in Seattle. Give up? Okay, here goes. It’s Starbucks.

This would have probably been unimaginable even five years ago. But South Street West has gotten so much more desirable in recent years, with numerous businesses opening all over the corridor. Nearby, the wildly successful City Fitness has been thriving for the last year and a half, the Igloo opened its doors a few months ago, and Rita’s is still on the way. And have you seen the lines at Honey’s?

Catharine Thorn Fountain across the street

We’ve only heard this rumor second and third hand, and confess we haven’t confirmed it with the developers. So let’s say our confidence level on this one is roughly 80%. And until we get that last bit of assurance that our sources are correct, we will drink a Frappucino every single day. And today, maybe two.

Lord, it’s hot out there.