In recent years, Susquehanna Avenue has experienced development on both sides of Front Street. In East Kensington, numerous projects have risen, including several homes with creative design elements. In the other direction, the Norris Square Civic Association has actively developed quite a bit of affordable housing. Right in the middle of this development activity sits a Hollywood relic at Front & Susquehanna.

Set up as a dollar store, but...

Yooooo, Adrian. This is where Rocky once pounded the bags at Mighty Mick’s boxing gym. When we passed by the building, 2145-47 Front St., last month, we noticed it looked like it had been in the ring with the champ himself. Oh, fie, what has become of the the place where Rocky transformed his dreams into KO’s? If you know your Rocky than you know that is the very location that allowed us to win the Cold War! It birthed Rocky, but now it sports a faded mustard sign for Ninni’s Dollar Plus Market. Interestingly, the property went on the market in July at a price of $350K. Will anyone purchase this piece of Philly history at this price?

Storefronts nearby

Additional blight

This spot under the El is definitely hurting. One of the abandoned storefronts offers an endearing message: Don’t trash the street. Don’t be a pig. Some of these abandoned storefronts are for sale, with apparently little luck finding buyers. What we’re wondering is, with new improvements and developments in the surrounding blocks, will this potential commercial buffet ever get any love? Or is the proximity to the El and the distance from Northern Liberties simply too much of a barrier for these storefronts to ever come back to life? 

–Lou Mancinelli