84-unit building to replace bank on Girard Ave

The single-story building at Girard and Howard has been numerous banks over the years. With an awkward wedge-shaped parking lot and a teller drive-through taking up much of the real estate, this day-use only space felt underutilized most of the time. Redevelopment of the parcel us underway for a seven-story mixed use building that will cover the lot and increase density and height near the Market-Frankford El.

The parcel sold for $2.175 million and, along with the redevelopment of the 7-Eleven on the other side of Front, is poised to re-shape this part of Girard.

“Between these two projects there will be a lot more people on the street, a lot more people using public transportation,” said Kristine Kennedy, executive director of the Northern Liberties Business Improvement District. “I’m hoping it creates a more vibrant and clean area.”