Back in 2020, the 78,000 square foot, single story, square block warehouse at 1400 North Howard Street in South Kensington traded hands for $9.45 million. After receiving zoning approval to convert the building, which is zoned for single family homes (RSA-5), into a retail and office complex, the new owner, Asana Partners, announced that they planned to invest $8 million into the property.
Since the end of 2020, we haven’t heard too much about the project, but after walking by the property over the weekend, we noticed that work is well underway. New window openings have been added along Howard Street and Mascher Street. The Master Street facade has been completely torn off. Deconstruction of the facade at the corner of Howard and Jefferson has also begun.
We were able to peep into the building and noticed that the interior buildout is also underway. The different spaces that are denoted on the floor plan for the project are being framed out. Large skylights line the ceiling and bring a bunch of natural light into the building. The floor looks freshly leveled. High ceilings with the original metal trusses give the space a great feel.
The complex will have a large indoor parking garage accessed from Jefferson Street. From the floor plans, it looks like there will be about 40 parking spaces included.
The only tenant that has been announced is Puttery – a mini golf, bar, and restaurant concept. Puttery plans on taking 20,000 square feet in the building and and creating three 9 hole mini golf courses in the facility. However, Puttery will need ZBA approval to move forward as eating / drinking establishments and assembly / entertainment uses are not allowed by-right at this location.
Back in 2012, there were plans to demolish the warehouse and to construct 52 townhomes and 4 buildings with 2 apartments above ground floor commercial spaces. We’re happy to see the current plan moving forward and think it will be very unique for the neighborhood, which needs more large format retail spaces.
How do you feel about this project? Do you like it better than the townhouse plan? Do you want to see Puttery get ZBA approval? What kind of businesses would you like to see occupy the other large space? Maybe a grocery store or a mini Target? Another restaurant concept? Something else?
Kyle is a commercial real estate agent at Rittenhouse Realty Advisors, a homeowner, and a real estate investor in Philadelphia. Kyle uses his extensive Philadelphia real estate market knowledge to help his clients buy and sell multifamily investment properties, development opportunities, and industrial sites.
Email Kyle@RittenhouseRealty.com if you are looking to buy or sell a property
Instagram: @agent.kyle