Back in November of 2011, we told you about an overhaul coming to a prominent Old City corner. And now the project appears to be headed toward completion. After standing vacant for close to 30 years, the BAR arrow signage has been preserved, and the Franklin Trust Company building will be soon ready for a new establishment. Just a few steps away from the popular Franklin Fountain, Shane Confectionery, and a slowly burgeoning group of business on the 100 block of Market, the corner building’s storefront and entryway appear to be the last details in need of attention. Back in 2011, Hidden City did a detailed profile of 100 Market Street, describing the site of the London Coffee House and the property’s rich commercial history over the years.

The corner

112 Market St. should soon be home to a new Froyo place. At the end of last year, Tom Lee proposed this concept for the very small commercial space in this newish building, which would include but twelve seats and a few more seats outside.

The little space

Lee ran into some issues with the community, where new food use in properties that are not already zoned for such is typically prohibited. He was able to negotiate with Old City Civic Association, agreeing to a temporary 5 year variance. As the end of the five year term approaches, Mr. Lee will have to resubmit his zoning application and once again go before the community if he wishes to remain in operation. Well, provided he is still in operation at that time.

When OCCA asked why he didn’t choose to just open up shop in…

Brothers Ryan and Eric Berley have struck again. The pair, who transformed an erotic cake shop at Market and Letitia Sts. into Franklin Fountain, our favorite ice cream shop ever, have opened Shane Confectionary, a classic chocolate and candy shop that makes most of what they sell. In direct contrast to its sister scoop shop’s shift from a sordid recent history, Shane Confectionary is replacing another candy shop, and is maintaining the same sort of business that has been run out of 110 Market St. for nearly 150 years.

A short history on the front door

From 1972. Already over 100 years in! From Phillyhistory.org

The brothers purchased the building and the business almost two years ago from the Shane family, and have spent the intervening months recreating a one hundred…

Old City Frozen Yogurt joined the plethora of frozen yogurt shops late last week, just in time for the heat wave and holiday weekend. Located at 229 Market Street (former home of Bon Bon Gelato), OCFY is decked out in hot pink and lime green tones with modern décor and outdoor seating, perfect for drunk people watching. They offer 10 self-serve probiotic-filled flavors and a buffet of toppings that will run you just 49 cents per ounce (cash only).

OCFY is the first of its kind in this side of town, and we have to say that we love having a “healthy” alternative to Franklin Fountain. Philly already has plenty of these trendy frozen yogurt shops: two Sweet Endings, Tutti Frutti, Yogorino, Yogurt City, Phileo Yogurt, Berry Sweet, and