Pullin’ Permits: Changes at Former American Thrift; Apartments Over Fish Shop

A few intriguing buildings on Wolf Street in Lower Moyamensing are being renovated. We dig through the permits to see what's in store.

The former American Thrift at 8th and Wolf | Photo: James Jennings

The former American Thrift at 8th and Wolf | Photo: James Jennings

We were in Lower Moyamensing the other day and spotted a few interesting projects that are starting to take shape on Wolf Street. After doing a little digging through the permits, we found out that some major changes are in play for the former American Thrift storefront at 8th and Wolf, and also at a rundown (yet, super cool) former bank building in the island where West Moyamensing Avenue converges with 7th and Wolf.

Clean Clothes at the Thrift Shop

American Thrift shuttered last December, much to the dismay of nearby residents and faithful shoppers. We recently saw workers clearing out the large building at 751 Wolf Street a few weeks back. Alteration permits granted in September tell us that the property won’t be selling clothes. Instead, it will be used as a place to clean them, as in a 48-washer laundromat.

For a closer look American Thrift’s final day (and the impact of community thrift stores), check out this tremendous “farewell” photo essay from Hidden City, which ran in December of 2014.

New Life at Equity Savings and Loan

Equity Savings and Loan

Equity Savings and Loan

If you happen to travel on Wolf Street, there is no doubt you’ll immediately wonder what the heck happened to the building located on the island where West Moyamensing Avenue meets 7th and Wolf streets.

The squat two-story building, a former bank called Equity Savings and Loan, looks like patchwork quilt of brick and stucco (more proof here). Clearly, it’s a promising location, given that it rests on the commercial strip packed with small shops and markets.

Now, it seems as though there will be some new life at the former bank, as permits filed in February indicate it will be a “retail fish shop” topped with two family residences. Alteration permits updated in September indicate that it will be apartments over the new retail space. Hopefully, the facade will be cleaned up and the building will become a staple on the corner once again.

Curious to see what the building looked like in its hey-day? Philly History has an image from 1937 that gives us a glimpse of its former glory. Also, how beautiful did that intersection look back in the day?

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