The old West Philadelphia High School at 4700 Walnut St. represents a serious development opportunity in West Philly in the same area as a few other interesting projects. It was put on the market this winter via an RFQ with a $6.5M price tag (through Concordis Real Estate Advisors) by the Philadelphia School district as part of its Master Facilities Plan, which seeks to determine and improve the efficiency of its schools. Obviously, they have a long way to go.

Huge building

At 47th St.

The area surrounding the former school has immediate potential. Right across the street on 48th Street sits a vacant lot where fire raged over a year ago. Plans for the redevelopment of the Croydon at 49th and Locust Sts., once known as Paradise City to squatters, have been approved. The ZBA also recently approved plans for the Apple Lofts just south of 52nd & Baltimore. And there’s also the rumor (now more than a rumor) that the Philadelphia Police Department will move its headquarters to the former Provident Mutual building at 46th and Market Sts.

Vacant lot across the street

Provident building, future police HQ?

“I’m sure there are tons of interested buyers,” said Marty Cabry, director of zoning for Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell. He said the district’s first preference is for a school to purchase the building, which has remained open, housing community programs this year, since the new West Philadelphia High School opened around the corner. According to a source at the school district, eleven parties have made it through the first round and will soon submit RFP’s detailing exactly what they wish to do at this site.

The old building, completed in 1912, stretches the length of the block between 47th and 48th Streets, and could serve as an enticing renovation project for a developer interested in converting the old school into apartments or condos. Or, is this an opportunity for Penn to wield its University City-branding hands even further? Or could a charter school make itself at home in this hundred year old structure?

Old West Philly High, from 48th St.

The ultimate use of this building could represent a turning point in the future of West Philadelphia and University City. A market-rate project could send ripples through the surrounding neighborhoods. If more developments continue to transform vacant land and empty buildings, more developers are going to look more closely at the real estate market in West Philly. Things could get very interesting here indeed.

When the sale process moves along to the next step, we’ll let ya know.

–Lou Mancinelli