Earlier this month, the Historical Commission approved plans for the Corn Exchange building located at 3rd & Arch to be redeveloped into a three-story gourmet market, Plan Philly reports.

The changes will mean the creation of a small roof deck on the northern half of the building set about 70-feet back from the façade, making the sidewalk bluestone instead of concrete, installing a new elevator and ramp to meet accessibility requirements and adding a chiller to the roof. The commission granted approval of the plans after architect David Schultz of DAS Architects presented revised plans that reflected the commission’s suggestions which addressed a new mass of stairs leading to a penthouse.

Handsome building

Constructed in 1907, the historic imperial looking building hosted MTV’s Real World Season 15. The cast lived in the building which then featured an indoor spa with both a hot and cold hot tub, indoor basketball court and a pool table. Now you can imagine all the behavior in that building that never aired on MTV while you buy your corn and organic meats.

After the season, Yaron Properties purchased the building for millions of dollars, according to Philadelphia Magazine. It has been used in different art space incarnations, including by a group called Trust.

Old City development is in a peculiar stage as Old City Civic Association (OCCA), its leading civic group, voted to disband this spring. In positive Old City news, there is the Live Arts building being redeveloped in a former pumping station next to the Race Street Connector, which will serve as headquarters for the Fringe Festival. And just down the street, the residential conversion of the Berger Brothers building is nearly complete.

Directly to the east

Still, we suspect that neighbors will appreciate the upgrade at the Corn Exchange building from the Real World to a gourmet market. Or would people rather see a different business located here?

–Lou Mancinelli