Take a Step Back in Time...
A little research around town has unearthed some interesting information about the history of this building. Take a look below (History of Property & History of Owners) and see which pieces have come together. The following have been useful resources:
- maps at
Free Library of Philly
- zoning records at
Licenses & Inspections
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University of Penn Fine Arts Library
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The Athenaeum of Philadelphia
- deeds at
The Philadelphia City Archives
Back in 1876, the 2200 block of Spring Garden looked like the following:
By 1905 the 2225 property was one of few on the block that changed (in red):
On February 15th 1934, Penn State Advertising Co, Inc. submitted the following zoning application: "Two billboards are to be erected on the vacant lot 15 feet in height and 50 feet in length... The above boards are being re-erected on a vacant lot, which formerly was occupied by a three story dwelling. The billboards previously erected on the premises was on the front of the above building, and were removed to permit the demolishing of the dwelling."
On December 3rd 1951, Bill George applied for the following: "Two stories - one on each lot. Newly constructed - one story brick buildings as per plan attached."
On April 9th 1953, Bill George applied for the following: "Private Parking Lot."
On August 4th 1954, Bill George applied for the following: "Private Parking Purposes."
On March 6th 1955, Levy-Lynch & Co. submitted the following to zoning: "Erection of three story structure to be used for 6 doctors offices, private garage & 2 family dwelling... Two doctors (owners) will occupy the two apartments and two offices; other offices wil be leased to other doctors... Parking will be inside bldg on ground floor... There are, at the present time, many commercial activities in this immediate area. Directly across the street is the Allied American Mutual Fire Insurance Co., with offices in the Parkway House, with the entrance at 2240 Spring Garden Street. In the same building, with the entrance in the 2200 block of Spring Garden Street, is a restaurant. On the southwest corner of 22nd & Spring Garden Streets, there is a Sun Ray Drug Store with another restaurant. On the northwest corner of 22nd & Spring Garden Streets, there is a large grocery and delicatessen, Costella Brothers. On the southeast corner is the former Gimbel Warehouse, more recently occupied by Mack Transportation Co., and the General Electric Co. warehouse... The general area is a rooming house and apartment location at the present time. We feel that this contemplated building will be a definite asset and upgrading of the area. The two doctors who will own the property, have their offices and live on the premises, will lease the additional office space to associates in their particular field; the purpose being that the various treatments and examinations be confined to the one location."
Then on February 11th 1957, S. John Gritti submitted what would turn out to be the final application for the building I purchased: "Erection of a two story building and small basement for utilities... Doctors urgently need offices near the hospitals."
This map from 1958 shows the structure one year after its construction (in blue):
The following are photocopies of the original deeds going back as far as 1865:
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