For years, we’ve wondered about 27-35 S. 2nd St., a curiously dilapidated stretch of buildings in the heart of Old City.

27-33 S. 2nd St

In just the past couple of years, these buildings have definitely improved. Formerly boarded up windows have been replaced with new windows in all but one of the buildings, ostensibly indicating new condos or apartments in the upstairs units. In addition, a few months ago, Liberty Bell Food Market opened in one of the storefronts. This market offers high end grocery items, take-out beverages, and flowers and makes a huge difference on the block, even though it’s surrounded by two vacant commercial spaces.

Comparing the current images to those from Google from a couple of years ago, we can clearly see the major improvements to the buildings.

A big

…

This building on the corner of 21st & Federal Sts. is owned by Young Lae Song and was purchased in 1992 for $2,500. Annual taxes are $436, and they get paid every year. It apparently was most recently a Launderette, but we’d guess it’s been awhile since anyone’s washed anything there. Anyone know anything about it? Anyone remember when it used to be an active business? Anyone want to contact the owner, make an offer, and turn it into a bar? Shhhhh…. don’t mention this to Council President Verna.