A reader checked in, asking for some insight into why the new CVS going up at 22nd and South Streets will merely be a one-story structure. They wondered why additional density wasn’t being considered for a corner that could, at the very least, handle another two stories. They were even kind enough to provide an example of where this has been successfully executed- the newish CVS at 4th & Spring Garden.

Front of the CVS

View from Lawrence St.

Yes, it’s true. This CVS has three apartments above, all currently available for rent. Two 2 bed/2.5 bath units with deck access are available for $2,450/mo, and one 1 bed/1.5 bath unit is available for $1,950. According to the rental listing, the amenities are pretty good, and the access to CVS is pretty much second to none. Oh, and Silk City is across the street, which isn’t too shabby, either.

Ad for the apartments

Floor plan of the second floor

So why would this be so bad on South Street? Well, clearly it wouldn’t.

So why isn’t this happening on South Street? From what can gather, it’s got to do with who owns the building. At 4th & Spring Garden, CVS is a tenant. At 22nd & South, CVS owns the land. CVS is happy to lease a space that’s a building that happens to have apartments above, but they’re not interested in building new apartments or acting as a landlord.

We get it, it’s just kind of a missed opportunity, no?