Demolition Permits Filed For Vacant Rowhouse at 1313 North 22nd Street, North Philadelphia

A permit has been filed for the demolition of a vacant three-story rowhouse located at 1313 North 22nd Street in the Sharswood neighborhood in North Philadelphia, directly north of Girard College. The permit lists Campbell Patrick as the owner.

The prewar structure, located on the west side of the street, is part of a rowhouse ensemble that once spanned the length of the block from West Seybert Street to the south to Master Street to the north. The block-long row once contained around ten rowhouses of the type, with more of the same type lining adjacent blocks. Today, however, only four rowhouses remain on the distressed lot, including the vacant structure set for demolition; the remaining lots are vacant and overgrown. Even the sidewalk along the block front is in a state of disrepair, with large stretches broken up overgrown, or altogether missing.

Whether the owner intends to keep the site vacant or to erect a replacement structure, the permit filing is a welcome one as it rids the block of a dilapidated eyesore and possibly suggests new development on a long-neglected stretch of the street.

Despite its current state, the area holds considerable potential. The property sits a block north of Girard College, notable for its spectacular Founder’s Hall, a National Historic Landmark built in 1847 as a full-scale facsimile of an ancient Greek temple. The Girard Avenue trolley is situated within a few blocks. Temple University is located within a 15-20-minute walk to the north, making the site well-suited for student housing.

North 22nd Street, with 1313 North 22nd Street on the right. Looking north. Credit: Google

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