Last fall, we heard about possible renovation plans for a vacant warehouse on the northeast corner of 26th & Poplar, though our information was far from complete. The owners had pulled permits to build roof decks which suggested an upcoming residential use, but we didn't see any other permits out there aside from an old one to convert the building into seven apartments with a first floor commercial space. Many months have passed, but our info remains incomplete, as we are still not seeing any fresh building permits that detail a final plan for the property. So you're probably wondering why we're bothering checking back here.
When we last visited (and according to several old permits), it seems the plan was to reuse the existing building. Now our eyes (and some newer permits) suggest that the building is getting demolished. It's a shame, it was a nice looking old structure that would have made a nice adaptive reuse project. That being said, the removal of the building opens up the possibility for something taller, with more density and a more flexible commercial space. The lot is just a touch over 7,000 sqft, which would allow for 15 apartments by right with retail on the first floor if our calculations are correct. We'd think that we'll at least see that, if not a larger building with more units if they decide they want to go the ZBA route.
Hopefully the demolition of this building will mean a quick turnaround for the property, and new construction will get moving sometime soon. The flip side of that possibility is the lot right across the street, owned by the Graveley family.
Remember, they tore down a long-blighted building here last year. But nothing has happened since. Fortunately, the warehouse currently coming down is owned by somebody else. So there's hope that something will happen at some point in the near future. Forgive us for being less optimistic about the lot next door.