Permits Issued for Renovation at 140 North 2nd Street in Old City

Permits have been issued for the renovation of a four-story prewar rowhouse at 140 North 2nd Street in the Old City section of Center City. The building will see a change of occupancy to make room for five transient dwelling units described as “visitor accommodation units.” In total, the building holds 4,523 square feet of space. Renovation work is expected to cost $200,000, according to the permit.

140 North 2nd Street. Credit: Google.

The building at hand is a beautiful classic Old City structure. The ground floor features typical Old City commercial frontage, with tan trim framing large windows and doors, and a cornice capping off the floor. The second and third floors utilize red brick, with a second, more detailed cornice topping off the third floor. The building’s roofline then begins to taper off at the fourth floor, with a Colonial-styled hipped roof setting the fourth floor back from the street, and making the dormer window located here less noticeable.

Overall, it is generally somewhat rare to se smaller-scale development such as this take place in Old City, so it is certainly an interesting project. Possibly, these new “visitor” units will likely be branded as a small boutique hotel or other nightly rental property, likely targeting tourists due to its proximity to attractions such as Fireman’s Hall and Elfreth’s Alley across the street.

While this project is likely not adding permanent residents to the area, it will still have a positive effect on the surrounding area. Visitors will support surrounding businesses and restaurants during their stay, and the property will help strengthen the Philadelphia tourism market.

No completion date is known for the project at this time, though construction may be finished by the end of this year of by 2023.

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