Demo Will Make Way for 36-Unit Mixed-use on E. Lehigh Ave.
The Olde Richmond industrial building looks to be taking its next steps after years of uncertainty
2640-48 E. Lehigh Ave. is about as quintessentially Olde Richmond as it gets. This low-rise building has served for many years as home to Gordon & Sons Glass & Mirrors, continuing the industrial history here where the Workshop of the World once reigned. But, as you well-informed readers know, this part of Lehigh Ave. has been going through some major changes, with a sharp turn towards residential over the last few years. And after many years of intrigue, it seems as if this vestige of the days of yore will be making a similar turn.
This property has been marketed off and on for several years, with prices rising and falling, though seemingly without a transaction being made to our knowledge. Floor plans and concepts were hinted back in 2023, with a presentation to the Olde Richmond Civic Association calling for a four-story, 36-unit building. Since then, however, things have been remarkably quiet for what always seemed to us to be a prime development site.
That was the case, at least, until this very morning, when zoning permits for full demo were issued for the entire building. This caught us by surprise, as we hadn’t heard of any updates on any plans or sales - until we did some digging. The property was sold to an LLC back in December 2024 for $2.325 million and has received both zoning and building permits for the very same concept as mentioned before. But this time, due to these new-to-us permits, we have many more details.
As per previous plans, 36 residential units across four-stories have been approved, with a sizable ground-level courtyard along the west side of the building, which will be fenced off. A commercial space will take up approximately 2,000 sqft of space facing Lehigh, per zoning requirements. The design from JKRP Architects utilizes several zoning bonuses, including a green roof bonus and low-income bonuses to increase the height and the density - though again it is unclear if there will be units on-site or if there was a payment made to the Housing Trust Fund. The building appears to use a fairly standard design approach of brick on the lower three levels and paneling on the top level, with ample windows throughout. Oh, and there is zero car parking, though a dozen spaces for bicycles.
With hundreds of units rising north of Lehigh Ave. close by, it is no surprise that this property finally sold and will be redeveloped. This corridor has changed a LOT over the last several years, as repaving, bike lane additions (PLEASE MAKE THEM PROTECTED) and a new mass of residents has altered the vibe of this area dramatically. Whether you yearn for the grit of yesteryear or embrace the inevitable changes of the future, this part of the city is certainly one to keep an eye on as one of the next development hotspots.
(Editor’s Note: Gordon & Sons Glass & Mirrors did NOT close and has moved into new digs at 5020 Mulberry St. in Frankford)
