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Market Watch in Fishtown and Northern Liberties

This weekend, you can keep track of local designers and artisans at the Piazza Market, which will host over 200 vendors this Saturday and Sunday, July 10 and 11. From noon to 7pm, get your hands on the latest organic, locally grown and produced FOOD and food products, arts and crafts, clothing, vintage goods and collectibles.

the Piazza

Come Saturday, July 17, Memphis Taproom's Handmade Market brings unique crafts to Fishtown from 11 am - 3 pm. Many of your favorite artsfolk will be representing the neighborhood, so come check it out and see what they've been up to. And as a bonus, you can stick around for lunch at the Taproom, which means a piping hot order of beer-battered pickles and one of the finest beer selections around.

Related:

It’s Flea Season in Northern Liberties

 

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Kid's After-schoool Music Program in Philadelphia: Rock to the Future on First Friday

Back in May, we wrote about Jessica McKay's music program for rock-ready youngsters, Rock to the Future. We wanted to let you know that Rock to the Future will be at the Fishtown First Friday on the Frankford Avenue Arts Corridor tomorrow, July 2, at 2001 Frankford Avenue. From 6 - 9 pm, applications will be distributed and if you have any questions about the program, McKay will have the answers. For more information about the free program, check out our post below.

Related:

Get Ready to Rock in Fishtown

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5 Bedroom Home For Sale in Fishtown, Philadelphia Unique Oversized Home w/ Hardwoods, Fireplace & French Doors

5 Bedroom Home for Sale in Fishtown, Philadelphia

Call The Somers 215-400-2620, RE/MAX Access, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia


2521 E Lehigh Avenue

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2521 E Lehigh Avenue

 

Unique over-sized corner property on the border of Fishtown/East Kensington/Port Richmond neighborhoods.

Gorgeous, original hardwood floors throughout. Enter through the foyer to an extra wide living room with a fireplace and half bath.

Dining room is separated by original French doors that lead to a huge eat-in kitchen.

2 sets of steps take you to a wide hallway that opens to 3 average sized beds and a bathroom, book-ended by 2 larger bedrooms with extra closet space.

 

 

 

2521 E Lehigh Avenue

 

Living room, dining room, 4 beds, full bath and hallway, all have closets.

Basement has an abundant amount of space, plus a separate workshop area.

Yard is bigger than most and the side street is a dead end. The perfect combination for parking, parties, bbqs, etc.

Must see to truly appreciate its size and beauty.

 

Discover more about Life in Fishtown

 

 

Fore more details contact:

Ryan Schaffer 267-226-1924

schafferremax@yahoo.com

 

The Somers Team of Philadelphiat

 

 

 

 

TheSomersTeam.com

215-400-2620

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

*****************************************************************************

If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612.  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub!  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate 

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

Areas of specialty include: Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !

 

Feel free to subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

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Wild Things at Penn Treaty Park

Penn Treaty Park's new website is just the start of the riverside park's latest plans. Your favorite Fishtown retreat will host a series of events this summer, so we noticed while checking out the updated site.

On July 13, an outdoor movie that seems perfectly suited for the park, Where the Wild Things Are, will be shown. July 14 promises a Philly Folk Parade, July 21 is set for Charanga with Salsa lessons, and August 4 is time for the Philebrity Rock & Roll Barbecue.

Have a look at their summer schedule and next time you find yourself in a lethargic summer state, put on your sunblock and shades and make eyes at Penn Treaty Park for your entertainment.

Explore more about Life in Fishtown. Ready to search for Fishtown properties?

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The Gentleman Ghost of Fishtown

We received an email from a stranger named Jack Riehl in Cape May, NJ, who said his Great Great Grandfather used to own a tavern in Fishtown at 206 E Girard Ave back in the early 1800's. That address today is a  commercial mixed use shell property that we have listed for our clients. It is currently Pending which means the settlement will be in the near future if the buyer can obtain financing. It is a huge rehab project. Jack Riehl from Cape May found us online and asked if he could take a peek at the place at 206 E Girard if he made the road trip to Philly. We were reluctant but Jack seemed so excited about his family history that we had to say yes.

So, I got a call the other day. "Hey Stephanie, my wife and I are in town and we were wondering if..." You can figure out the conversation. Even though it was the hottest day yet in June, I walked over to Shackamaxon and Girard where his Great Great's tavern used to be, next to the renowned Murph's Bar, to find two people in very colorful Florida leisurewear, hunched over, faces pressing against the storefront window, hands shielding the sun so they could see inside more clearly. To say they looked out of place on the Avenue in front of an abandoned property was an understatement. They saw me, smiled, and waived excitedly...

"Guess who we are?" they said. I chuckled at the obviousness of the question. Who else could they be!?

So, just who was Jack Riehl's Great Great Grandfather?

As fate had it, the mystery was mine to reveal. The late John S. Riehl's obituary curiously read:

"OCCUPATION: Gentleman"

And that is apparently what he was to the Fishtown area residents and friends who patronized his drinking establishment way back in the 1800's. But Bar Owner and Gentleman was not the least of John Reihl's accomplishments. This Civil War veteran was Adjutant and Lt. for Company D, 26th Regiment, Pa. Volunteers, Infantry.

Here is what his Great Great Grandson Jack Reihl writes to me in an email -

"My guess is that because he could write and had excellent handwriting ability, he was made the Adjutant, which, today, would be like the Chief of Staff. As such, he wrote many letters on behalf of the Officers of the Company. One such letter is attached...wonderful to have a copy of his handwriting and signature!"

 

Adjutant Riehl

 

Long gone but not forgotton...

"Born in 1827, John S. Riehl graduated from Central High School in 1848 at the age of 21. After the Civil War, he returned to 206 E Girard Avenue and became the Founder and President of a Building & Loan Company and organized the Keystone Pleasure Fishing Club in nearby Mayville, Cape May, on March 17, 1874 for the purpose of "fishing and hunting" in the area.

John S. Riehl was an active Mason and rose to the 32nd degree. Around the time of his 70th birthday, he caught a cold and at the time, he was living at 206 E Girard with the young daughter of his housekeeper, Jane Reed. Young Jane took JSR around the corner to be nursed by her friend's mother who lived at 1116 Shackamaxon Street (which is now just a vacant parking area). JSR did not recover and he died on February 16, 1897. He was buried with full Military and Masonic Honors at the North Cedar Hill Cemetery in nearby Kensington."

Strange Reunion of Sorts

We're glad that we were able to show Mr. Jack Riehl a glimpse into his family's past. It was a strange request and a strange reunion. I have to admit as I stood there where John S Riehl once lived and worked, I felt a slight uneasiness like we were not alone in the rubble of this old establishment. Even if the property is a shell right now, it holds many stories and links to the history of Fishtown's earlier residents. We hope that 206 E. Girard is home to gentlemen in the future and will remember John S. Riehl as the original "gentleman ghost" of Fishtown.

R.I.P. JSR

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A New Look for Frankford Avenue

Frankford Avenue

This week, if you're wandering around Fishtown, you may notice a few changes taking place. That's because Frankford Avenue is currently undergoing some streetscape improvements. The major street, known as the Frankford Arts Corridor, will still be open to traffic, but some parking lanes will be closed. From Palmer Street to York Street, $3 million of city and federal funds will be spent to improve the lively arts mecca. New trees will be planted and sidewalks and lighting will be repaired to make your leisurely strolls a bit safer. We're quite familiar with the one-of-a-kind bike racks that Frankford Avenue is known for, but they'll be adding even more to encourage the many bike riders that populate the Avenue.

One notable change to the area that will bring some attention to the Berks El Station and Frankford Avenue in general, is the completion of New Kensington Creative and Performing Arts High School, which Brownstoner Philly has reported will open this fall. What this means for local teenagers is that they'll have another high school to choose from that focuses on creative development. Many Fishtown teens currently travel throughout the city to their secondary schools - now there's an option that will mean less time en route to their academic destinations. The school building will also meet LEED standards, which we could all learn from.

Explore more about Life in Fishtown. Ready to search for Fishtown properties?

Related:

A Walk in Fishtown: Changes Abound

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Flip That House ! Tips that will sell your investment faster and at a higher price.

Flip That House ! Philadelphia Style !

Tips that will sell your investment faster and at a higher price.

We help a lot of investors Buy, Rehab and Sell homes in the up and coming neighborhoods in Philadelphia . Flipping homes is not as easy as it looks on HGTV.  Flipping a property takes A) knowledge of the neighborhood, B) knowledge of the Real Estate Market, and C) know how as far as orchestrating the contractors, permits and particulars.  Oh and most important of all, D) Flipping requires MONEY.  "Cash is King" as we always say.

In this post I have included before and after pictures of one of the most recent successful flips  of a New Kensington Row Home that we were involved with.  Here is a before blog we did: 2541 Emerald Street. I would like to highlight some of the finishing features that will make your rehab not only stand out from the rest, particularly for investors flipping homes in the up and coming Philadelphia neighborhoods, but will also increase the chances of selling faster and at a higher price. This Subject property is just shy of $200,000 and needed a full renovation.  For some of you reading you may not be flipping a home or your renovation may ne be as extensive as this one. Nonetheless, the tips below can be applied to any home that you are upgrading or updating, applicable to not just the Philadelphia Real Estate market, but to any local market that you are in.

The features that will get your Philadelphia Row Home sold at the best price:

First Floor:  Your first floor needs to deliver the most features such as Hardwood floors, an open layout, side staircase vs a center staircase that can divide a small space making it look smaller, a powder room, plenty of natural light, and recessed lighting.  All of these suggestions will provide the "BLING" factor that many buyers look for in a home.

Before after

Kitchen:   Don't be cheap and ordinary. Don't skimp on the countertop or appliances, particularly the range and refrigerator. The trend in remodeled Philadelphia Row homes is definitely leaning toward the contemporary designs over traditional.  Even in older homes with outdated features, adding some contemporary touches makes a huge impact on the sell-ability of the home. Some examples of these features includes: islands for extra storage and seating (if the space allows). Choose flat panel cabinets vs the traditional styles and avoid  "starter kitchens".  Wood stains can vary but hardwood flooring flowing into the kitchen unifies the space and makes it look larger.  Exposed brick or a trendy back-splash adds character and will add to the "bling" factor" I mentioned above.

 

after

before

Other rooms in the house:  Features such as high ceilings give small rooms a Big Feel. Light colored carpeting in the upper bedrooms and hall is less expensive than hardwood and is certainly a good option if you need to save money.  Light colored paint is a must on the walls with bright white trim particularly when it comes to smaller rooms because white expands a room along with good lighting. If a room is dark, add light.

before after

Bathrooms:  Always maximize the space in a bathroom by choosing a vanity that properly fits the room. In the bathroom below, the room was very narrow but a carefully chosen vanity offers storage without overwhelming the room. Below the natural pebble floor in the shower is complemented by a faux wood grain tile, and white subway tiles.  The feel is luxury spa.  Who does not love that ? Get the most bang for your buck by contemplating the "bling factor" for the powder room and master bath. Guest baths can be more basic.

before after after

To wrap it up:  Always make the first floor an eye catcher and the "bling factor" can be carried into master baths and powder rooms. Open layouts will sell faster and at a higher price than layouts that are formal, modular, or divided by a staircase.  Don't skimp on the kitchen appliances. Invest in the hardwood floors and recessed lighting for the first floor.  Make smaller spaces look larger with bright white trim and plenty of light.

(A shout-out to Universal Building & Construction Inc. for this fab rehab !!  For more info call Cindy at 215-399-6251. Mention Stephanie )

Look at my live video below of the interior of this New Kensington Row Home and catch some other tips that wil sell your property fast and for the highest price.

Feel free to subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

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Meet Your Neighbors: Gary Dawson of Locksmith on Wheels

 

Gary Dawson, owner of locksmith on wheels, is dedicated to those who lock themselves out or lose a key. 

Locksmith on Wheels

"The only time I'm not working is when I'm on vacation!" says Gary Dawson.

The 55-year-old Fishtown native, owner of Locksmith on Wheels, lives above his 24/7/365 locksmith business at Columbia and Girard Avenues.

It's a good thing for locals that someone from Dawson's shop is always around to let them in when they're locked out or lose a key.

You could say that being a hard worker is in Dawson's blood. Back in the 1940's, his father ran Dawson's Butcher Shop on the first floor storefront on East Girard Avenue in Fishtown. He was the neighborhood butcher until the '60's, when he closed shop because he could not compete with the large supermarkets. Dawson's mother decided to step in and opened the store up again in the mid 1960's until 1991. Her shop was called Alice's Sandwich Shop, also known as Dawson's. Gary remembers his mother's handmade crab cakes and potato salad that would keep her working into the wee hours of the morning in preparation for the following day's sales. People knew she was committed to making everything by hand and always fresh. Alice was famous in the neighborhood for her Delicious Steak Sandwiches.

When not feasting on Mom's sandwiches, Dawson kept busy. He took up locksmithing when he was 21. He decided to take his gig mobile in 1981, calling it "Locksmith on Wheels". In 1991, he turned his father's butcher shop and mom's sandwich shop into a locksmith office. Dawson works the shop with his son, Gary Jr., and they live upstairs in the very same house they grew up in. There's a lot of history and family legacy in this building.

We've used Dawson and recommended his services countless times. Think Local and think Locksmith on Wheels next time you need a professional locksmith.

We admire and respect you, Gary, and wish you many more years of success!

Locksmith on Wheels

321 East Girard Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19125-3930

(215) 425-0794

Explore more about Life in Fishtown. Ready to search for Fishtown properties?

 

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3 Bedroom Home for Sale in Fishtown/New Kensington, Philadelphia – Completely Renovated Fishtown Home w/ Open Floor Plan Hardwoods New Kitchen & More!

 

3 Bedroom Home for Sale in Fishtown/New Kensington, Philadelphia

Call The Somers 215-400-2620, RE/MAX Access, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

 

2027 E Dauphin Street

Photo Gallery

2027 E Dauphin Street

 

Welcome to this completely renovated 3 bedroom with 1 bath home for sale in Fishtown/New Kensington.

Enter into open floor plan with new hardwood floors and coat closet on the first floor.

Extends to the brand new kitchen with custom cabinetry and countertops, tile flooring and backsplash. Extra lighting in kitchen with both a skylight and a walk-out sliding door to the backyard.

Backyard is huge, one of the larger backyards in the zip code, perfect for summer bbq, pets or play.

 

 

Upstairs is carpeted with the master bedroom on the 2nd floor and 2 bedrooms on the 3rd floor. Bedrooms are spacious with ample closet space. Full bathroom is updated with beautiful tiling and vanity.

2027 E Dauphin Street

Other features include:

 

  • Central air
  • Ceiling fans in every room
  • Large, full basement – great for storage
  • Brand new HVAC unit
  • Brand new hot water heater

 

Block is private and quiet and parking is a breeze. Property is vacant and easy to show! Make your appointment today to see this 3 bedroom home for sale in Fishtown/New Kensington. Very low annual real estate taxes.

 

Discover more about Life in Fishtown


The Somers Team of Philadelphia

 

 

 

 

 

TheSomersTeam.com

215-400-2620

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

*****************************************************************************

If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612.  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub!  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate 

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

Areas of specialty include: Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !

 

Feel free to subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

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3 Bedroom Home for Sale in Fishtown, Philadelphia – Well Maintained and Spacious Fishtown Home w/ Huge Yard

Bedroom Home for Sale in Fishtown, Philadelphia

Call The Somers 215-400-2620, RE/MAX Access, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

 

2647 Braddock Street

 Photo Gallery

2647 Braddock Street

Well maintained 3 bedroom home for sale in Fishtown waiting for new owner to just move in.

Spacious living room, separate dining room, full kitchen, huge cemented yard. 2nd floor features 3 piece bath, 2 good size bedrooms, 3rd bedroom is small. Full clean dry basement.

We look forward to your visit!

Discover more about Life in Fishtown

 

The  Somers Team of Philadelphia

 

 

 

 

Remax Access

TheSomersTeam.com

Call Elaine: (215) 400- 2631

elaine103@comcast.net


Contact us:
http://www.thesomersteam.com/contact.php

 

*****************************************************************************

If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612.  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub!  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate 

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

Areas of specialty include: Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more!

Feel free to subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog  The Somers Team on Facebook  The Somers Team on Twitter  The Somers Team on LinkedIn

 Bookmark and Share