When “Everybody Hits” closed at the end of 2019, no one could predict that the popular batting cage and live music venue would be the first in a series of beloved Philadelphia companies to close during the global pandemic. Boots and saddle with Connie’s Ric Rac It is one of the losses of the local music industry in the city.

But the building that used to be Everybody Hits has an interesting history, which makes it a place on Philadelphia’s historical list. According to a plan presented to the Philadelphia History Council, its future seems to be forming a mixture of conservation and mixed-use reconstruction.

The property located at 527-37 W. Girard Ave. was built in 1886-87 and was built by Hazelhurst & Huckel, architects. It was originally the site of an indoor farmer’s market and hall. Later, it became the Mammoth Theater, a small venue for watching movies in the early 20th century, until it closed in 1936.

Since then, the history of this building has only become more fascinating.

“In the past 60 years, this building has served as a bowling alley, billiard hall, nightclub, scratch and dent appliance showroom, and temporary pornographic film studio,” Rachel Hildebrandt Hildebrandt) wrote. Hidden City Philadelphia In 2012, just as Everybody Hits was about to open.

The History Committee is in its final stages Review proposal From Continuum Architecture & Design will bring new vitality to the property, which consists of four buildings. The proposal calls for demolishing one of the buildings, repairing the other three, and constructing a new four-story building. The project will include 41 apartments and approximately 3,000 square feet of retail space.

The following is the current appearance of the corner proposed by the project.

Street View/Google

The corner of Sixth Street and Girard Avenue.

“We plan to bring the entire corner back to life while maintaining the original look, feel and concept of the original building complex,” Continuum said in its proposal. “We did the same thing at the next corner of 7th Street and Girard, using the Ambassador Taproom and upper living space. We brought back an original community watering hole and turned it into an interesting place. Neighbors, friends, family and guests can all meet, greet and enjoy themselves.”

The next block, booked by the Taproom Ambassador in West Point, is also in progress Acquired 36 new apartments. After the accident at the end of last month, East Point is now a mess Send a fire truck into an apartment building.

Like other areas in Ludlow and Olde Kensington, there has been a surge of new housing in recent years. What makes this project stand out is that it retains a quirky building.It is one of many buildings in the area, including the historic fire station, just above Girard Avenue on Fourth Street, where Continuum is Process design work to convert property Enter the apartment.

The History Committee pointed out that there are some technical challenges in maintaining the historical features of the building located at 527-37 W. Girard Ave., but the project seems to have achieved an important balance and will give the block a new look without erasing the past identity of.