Delayed construction on former Scarduzio project at 12th and Morris could begin as soon as February
Back in September, we reported that construction would soon begin on the hole in the ground at 12th and Morris for a building that originally was meant to house a new restaurant for chef Chris Scarduzio, who has since backed out of the project.
After a few months of nothing but a hole in the spot where Artisan Boulanger once stood, developer Stephen Olitsky tells us that construction could now begin as soon as February.
According to Olitsky, the development has been delayed because of some problems with acquiring building permits for the property. Olitsky is in the process of reapplying for the building permits now that the architect and engineer for the project have reworked the plans.
Since Scarduzio backed out, there is no definite restaurant replacement just yet, but Olitsky is still on the lookout for a suitable replacement for Scarduzio.
More on the plans from Olitsky:
We are constructing (3) apartments on the 2nd and 3rd floors of a 3 story building. The first floor will be about an 1800 sq ft restaurant space and the newly built basement is designed as a prep kitchen, beer/wine storage, cold/freezer storage, as well as a commissary for an owner with multiple locations, catering and/or food trucks. The kitchen and basement prep kitchen/commissary were designed by Executive Chef Chris Scarduzio (in conjunction with kitchen designers at PJP – Penn Jersey Paper), who is no longer involved with the project, but it’s a comprehensive design. My wife Tamar and I own a liquor license at the location and we are planning on renting the space to a strong chef/restauranteur.
If all goes as planned, it could be completed by late summer or early fall of 2015.
With A Man’s Image on the market, Bing Bing Dim Sum opening soon, pedestrian improvements and more happening at this part of the avenue, a huge transformation could be coming in the near future.
What sort of restaurant would you like to see move into this prime space?
I’d like to see nodding head brewery move into that space or a different space on the ave
Totally agree with Joecarpenter! Nodding Head or some other type of small brewpub would be great. Philly is lacking brewpubs in general with the exception of Dock Street and 2nd Story
Not big enough.
I’ve been wishing for a better diner/American cafe in the neighborhood (along the lines of, Marathon, Continental, Farmicia, Bridget Foys, Sabrina’s). Something approachable but not the typical diner fare of the underwhleming Melrose.
I also like that brewpub idea.
Green Eggs?
Perfect spot for a Tria.
Agreed!