Over the summer, we lambasted the developer of 2101 Kimball St. for redeveloping a former church into a pair of condos with a distinctly nautical feel. Today, we look across the street, at 1009-1013 S. 21st St., three homes that are taking a different approach, and are improving the northeast corner of this intersection.

A few years back

1013 S. 21st St. was built a couple of years ago, and replaced a long vacant lot. After an extended time on the market, this fairly standard looking house was purchased earlier this year for $405K.

1011 S. 21st St. was purchased for $115K in 2008 but wasn’t rehabbed until last year. In March, it sold for $285K to a buyer who, in all likelihood, was enthusiastic about its contemporary look, both inside and out.

1009 S. 21st St. is currently under construction, and we originally suspected it to be on the market. Turns out it isn’t. We suspect that the owner, who purchased the property less than two years ago for $199K (!), is either improving the facade with a plan to eventually sell, or was so inspired by the new facade next door, that she had to have a new one just like it.

The three homes, earlier this week

While these improvements are certainly a plus for the people who live in the immediate area, the fate of this corner is ultimately tied to something much bigger than three row homes: the redevelopment of the Frankford Chocolate Factory.

South west corner of the intersection, rear of the massive building

It’s been months since we last heard anything about the massive mixed-use development that was presented to SOSNA almost a year ago. Has anyone out there heard anything new?