Front Street in Fishtown, Philadelphia, is undergoing a significant transformation as a building boom reshapes the area beneath the iconic Market-Frankford elevated rail line.
The 1.1-mile stretch between the Girard and York-Dauphin stations is now a hub of activity, with major construction projects set to nearly double the number of apartments in the area within the next year.
Currently, 441 apartment units are under construction along Front Street, with another 174 units proposed.
Since 2019, 231 units have already been completed, adding to the 215 apartments that existed before that year.
This rapid growth is replacing older storefronts and revitalizing historic buildings.
Among the most notable is the building that housed Mighty Mick’s boxing gym, famously featured in the Rocky movies.
The historic brick structure will soon include four apartments and 2,600 square feet of commercial space.
As new apartments and commercial spaces emerge, they bring opportunities for businesses and residents, creating a ripple effect across the Fishtown economy.
Despite challenges such as reduced SEPTA ridership—currently at only 58% of pre-pandemic levels—the area remains a focal point for investment and growth.
Stops along the Market-Frankford Line in Fishtown have particularly low ridership, yet the development continues to thrive, which signals confidence in the neighborhood’s long-term potential.
In recent Fishtown economy news, local developers, including Henry Siebert, co-founder of Archive Development, see this construction surge as a defining moment for Front Street.
Siebert has noted the unprecedented scale of building activity in this part of the city, which sets it apart from other areas in Philadelphia.
