Hegeman String Band’s clubhouse on Two Street sold for residential redevelopment

Here’s a big thank you to the friendly neighborhood tipster who pointed this out. You can help too. So, if you see something, say something – in an email to punk@passyunkpost.com.

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The clubhouse of the Hegeman String Band at 1247 S. 2nd St., in the heart of the Mummers row on Two Street, has been sold to a developer for residential conversion. But the club’s not moving just yet, and they hope to stay close by.

A tipster told us about a notice that was posted for residential zoning at the corner of 2nd and Wharton, and city records show the 2,700 square foot building was sold in July for $252,000 to Cosmopolitan Properties.

We couldn’t find any information about Cosmopolitan, other than the fact it’s based in Atlantic City. So we’re unsure at this point what they’re planning. But judging by the size and price of other new similar-sized houses in the neighborhood, we’d guess it’s going to be a single family home.

We did find a story on the Mr. Mummer blog and Hegeman’s plans, though. The club captain, John Baron, said the club sold the building to put it on better financial footing. Here’s more from Mr. Mummer:

According to the agreed upon contract with the soon-to-be new owner, Hegeman will stay at their current clubhouse at 2nd and Wharton St. and lease the clubhouse from the new owner for one year. In the summer of 2016, Hegeman’s leadership will look for new locations for a clubhouse along Two Street. At this time, it is undecided if the band will purchase a new clubhouse or lease space in 2016.

Baron says the sale will ensure that the club can participate in every New Year’s parade for the foreseeable future.

One thing that will not be changing with the Hegeman String Band is how they operate. Hegeman will continue to be known as a co-ed, family band that welcomes school age children to play an instrument or dance.

That corner has seen a flurry of residential development in the past couple years, including the 11-home Metropolis development that replaced another Mummers warehouse, Fralinger, which was destroyed in a fire in December 2012. The largest homes in that development sold for about half a million dollars.