In neighborhoods like Callowhill or West Poplar, it's not such a big deal to live near the viaduct since it's 1) no longer used by trains, and 2) turning into one what will be one of the coolest parks in Philadelphia. In Point Breeze and Grays Ferry, not so much. Until a massive repair effort began last year, the 25th Street viaduct was crumbling, occasionally dropping chunks on concrete on lucky passersby. CSX uses the viaduct daily, with trains occasionally stopping for extended periods. As a result, we don't see a park blooming here at any point in the near or distant future. Eventual demolition is probably the best hope, and realistically that may not happen in our lifetime.
Despite the unpleasantness of the 25th Street Viaduct, some developers are still eyeing properties nearby, with a twenty-eight unit plan on the 2400 block of Federal Street being the most significant at this moment. The 2500 block of Ellsworth Street presents some activity on a much smaller scale, as we see three one-off projects all under construction at this time. First, we look first at 2532 Ellsworth St., where developers are rehabbing a two-story home. They're doing a nice job, removing a coat of red paint that was hiding many of the original details on the facade. Other developers are building a duplex on at former vacant lot at 2536 Ellsworth St., it's a similar situation a few doors down at 2042 Ellsworth St.
Despite the presence of three projects on this block, there's still several vacant lots to be found. We've said before that we're bullish that some eastern sections of Grays Ferry will see spillover development crossing the viaduct from Point Breeze, and this is another example, and from three different developers. That being the case, we'd say it's safe to assume that this block will see additional development in the coming years, even with that pesky viaduct making life a little less pleasant. And if you don't like the 2500 block, maybe the 2600 block suits your fancy?