A reader checked in, asking us what was up with the scaffolding that’s remained in front of a new construction building at 51st and Market Sts. for a few years now. After all, it’s just east of the 52nd Street commercial corridor and under the El, which means plenty of folks see it every day.
“That one got by us,” said Walnut Hill Community Association (WHCA) president Horace Patterson. He said from time to time during his 25-year-tenure this has happened. Other times, construction begins without the WHCA ever being notified. According to Patterson, the project began about three years ago, but was stalled for infractions by L&I.
Mystery scaffolding
It’s too bad. The structure, 5110-12 Market Street, has something of an interesting design with lots of windows on the top floor, sets of four-windows on the second- and third-floors that might have meant lots of bright natural light, plus ground-floor bay windows. Current owners Michael and Rhea Metsikas purchased 5110-12 Market St. in 2007 for $80K.
Closer look
It is a shame this project remains unfinished, as it points to a major issue in West Philly, where neighborhoods on the fringes of University City face different degrees of blight and abandonment, and struggle to refresh their character. If builders ignore community and city protocol, they run the risk, as it happened here, of being shut down and they take away from community members’ ability to shape their neighborhood. Though, it must be said, scores of projects are completed each year without proper permits. We’re wondering what brought the inspectors out to 51st Street in the first place. A 311 call, perhaps?
At the very least, the builders could have the courtesy to remove the scaffolding, which now serves as a daily reminder to passersby that their neighborhood remains a work in progress.
–Lou Mancinelli