At 29th & Poplar, a renovation in the very southern end of Brewerytown, is now underway. We passed by 871 N. 29th St. while out exploring what we’re calling the Girard transition. This project is interesting to us because it’s rare to see projects of this scale taking place in this part of the neighborhood, which is more reminiscent of Fairmount than sections farther to the north.

Looking down the street

Permits were issued this June for two apartments, a roof deck, and a one-car garage. We think that means the former ground-floor hair salon that occupied this rear of this building has seen its last shampoo. The permits were issued for new owner Jafar Maleki, who purchased the property earlier this year

In the past. Windows look so small.

Recent shot looks like the window openings are being expanded. A good call.

Another angle

This renovation is not the only new project happening now in the neighborhood. A couple of weeks ago, we told about a pub being renovated just east of 30th & Girard, near Stiles Street. Consider plans to double the amount of lofts nearby at 30th & Master, and couple that with recent retail improvements along Girard Avenue, like plans for a second RyBread location at 28th & Girard, and even plans for a huge mixed-use project at 27th & Girard, and this project seems less isolated. More, these projects reflect a rise in the value, or at least a strengthening of the value of the neighborhood.

–Lou Mancinelli