Former Stable Turned Architect’s Office Now A Unique Buy in Fitler Square

In this edition:

1. Former Stable Turned Architect’s Office Now A Unique Buy in Fitler Square

2. “Music for Food” Benefit Concert at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia

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Former Stable Turned Architect’s Office Now A Unique Buy in Fitler Square

A curious real estate opportunity has emerged in the heart of Fitler Square. Built in 1915, this 60ft x 40ft lot originally served as a stable. Later, it became a garage, and then finally an architect’s office. Today, it awaits a creative buyer who wants to invent their own space.

The property spans nearly an entire half-block of South 24th Street. The interior is mostly one large, spare space. The current structure has a small kitchen, one and a half baths, two bedroom-size spaces, and a small mezzanine level. It’s currently listed for $1,750,000. 

The property is mostly one large, spare space. On the left is the property as it exists today. On the right, a rendering of what it might look like as a residence. Photos courtesy of Laurie Phillips.

The property is notable for its extra-large lot size, particularly in a neighborhood of snug row homes and in a city known for having the smallest average lot size among the United States' 50 largest cities.

According to listing agent Laurie Phillips, the property has the added benefit of not being constrained by historic district zoning. “If somebody's looking for a lot of space to live in with 14 foot ceilings, or if somebody wants to build a 5,000 square foot house or larger, they can,” Phillips said.

On the left, a photo of the property. On the right, the same area is imagined (via a virtual rendering) as a residential kitchen. Photos courtesy of Laurie Phillips.

“We've had all kinds of buyers go through,” Phillips said. “We have a buyer who wants it for her art studio. We've had buyers who want to build a three story house. And we've had buyers who would consider living in it as it is.”

For years, the property served as the office of architecture firm Mark B. Thompson Associates. When Thompson first took ownership of the space, he received a zoning variance to operate an architect’s office. Thompson recently retired and sold the firm to his employees, according to Phillips. 

A side-by-side showing how the space functioned as an architect’s office. Photos courtesy Laurie Phillips and Mark B. Thompson Associates.

Some years back, Thompson designed a second floor to go on top of the existing structure. He went through zoning applications, according to Phillips, but never ended up building the addition.

The property is situated within the sought-after Greenfield School catchment, adjacent to the popular Rival Bros' coffee shop. It’s equally close to both Fitler Square Park and Schuylkill River Park. Additionally, it is just two blocks away from the shops and restaurants lining South Street.

If you're looking for a place with a bit of history and room to let your imagination run wild, this Fitler Square find might just be your next 'stable' investment.

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“Music for Food” Benefit Concert at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia

An exciting benefit concert is just around the corner. Here is the info directly from the event organizers:

Register now for a memorable concert held in The College of Physicians of Philadelphia’s Mitchell Hall.

The performance will raise money to benefit a local nonprofit that feeds the homeless and builds community. This concert is part of Music for Food, a musician-led initiative for local hunger relief.

Tickets are limited so register today! 100% of your donation goes to The Sunday Love Project, this year's beneficiary of Music for Food.