59-Unit Hotel Set to Be Built on Frankford Avenue in Fishtown

A new hotel development is poised to enhance the Fishtown neighborhood in Philadelphia, as plans are underway for a 59-unit hotel on a vacant lot located at 1224 Frankford Avenue. The property is owned by developer Roland Kassis, who has played a significant role in the transformation of Fishtown into a vibrant residential and dining hub.

Kassis, who has long envisioned this hotel project, is proposing to build the structure just a block north of Girard Avenue and a block east of the Market-Frankford Line, a strategic location that positions it well for accessibility. The hotel is being designed by Gnome Architects, a Philadelphia-based firm, and is officially being developed by a group known as the Fishtown Collective, which Kassis leads.

Local business leaders see this venture as a natural progression that aligns with the neighborhood’s evolution. Marc Collazzo, executive director of the Fishtown Business Improvement District, highlighted the area’s growth as a destination for dining and entertainment, attracting visitors from both the region and across the country.

The proposed design features a five-story structure that includes five parking spaces and two commercial spaces facing Frankford Avenue. The architectural approach aims to respect the residential character of the adjacent rowhouses on Leopard Street, promoting harmony in the neighborhood’s development.

Fishtown is already home to several boutique hotels that cater primarily to weekend visitors. These smaller establishments typically offer fewer units, enhancing the personalized experience for guests seeking to explore the culinary offerings and vibrant atmosphere of the area. While larger hotels have struggled, as evidenced by Sonder’s abandonment of a 60-unit project on Gerard Avenue, boutique hotels along Frankford Avenue have reportedly been thriving due to their proximity to acclaimed restaurants and attractions.

Collazzo expressed confidence in the continued viability of smaller hotels in the area, noting their success and the burgeoning need for more accommodations within the Fishtown business corridor. He acknowledged that while some larger hotel ventures have faced challenges, the boutique model seems well-suited to the local market.

For the proposed project to advance, it will require a variance from the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment, as hotel use is not currently permitted at the site. A review by the advisory Civic Design Review committee is scheduled for June 3, and the developers recently garnered support from the Fishtown Neighbors Association, which voted overwhelmingly in favor of moving the project forward.

Previous iterations of Kassis’ hotel proposal were approved by the zoning board prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that permit has since expired, necessitating a fresh approval process for this latest version of the project. As Fishtown continues to evolve and attract new visitors, this hotel development represents an important step in fostering a balanced and thriving community.

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