Signs of construction for the revival of The Lincoln at 1222 Locust Street are slowly starting to take shape and it looks as though we're not the only one's excited about its progress. KYW Newsradio took to the streets and talked to a few neighbors who are downright giddy about the prospect of the burned-out, vacant building being transformed into "at least 40 high-end apartments." Judith Applebaum of the Washington Square West Civic Association went as far as to say she's "just absolutely thrilled that it is actually happening." Currently, the sidewalk is blocked off during the construction efforts but Applebaum also noted that "we are just thrilled that somebody is in there and will actually make the building safe, because right now it's a disaster." She also noted that she expects that the construction "could take some time."
Fire tore through the building back in 2006 and the former hotel has sat vacant ever since. It's also been tangled in an odd legal battle that has held up the sale and development efforts. David Perlman eventually bought the building for $2.22M in September of 2013. "Finally, something good is happening here," Chris Ehrmann told KYW Newsradio.
According to Hidden City, plans were in place to retain architect Cecil Baker's plans from 2011 that would see 44 apartment units of various sizes, including studio, one- and two-bedroom units. The addition of a sixth story set back from view of the street was also proposed.
· Neighbors Ecstatic That Burned-Out Center City Apartment House Will Be Rebuilt [KYW Newsradio]
· Long In Limbo, Renovation Now Likely At Lincoln Building [Hidden City]
· Good News for the Vacant Lincoln Building on Locust Street [Curbed Philly]