Prior to purchasing 137 Berkley Street in 2016, the former factory sat underutilized and in serious disrepair. The $2.3 million renovation included a complete restoration of the buildings, all new systems, and the installation of full size windows along the facade. This once vacant industrial building has been transformed and is now home to three tenants; a tech company, a BBQ restaurant, and a locally owned microbrewery.

Philly Office Retail met with the community and adapted the space to meet the neighborhood’s needs for jobs, services, and reinvestment in a long-struggling area. Adding life to a dormant stretch of Berkley Street, this project is in line with the Upper Northwest District Plan, which touts Wayne Junction as an emerging commercial mixed-use district in a former rail-oriented industrial section. Residents of this area now have access to a sit down restaurant and the neighborhood’s first microbrewery and beer garden.

The reuse of a building, rather than demolition and new construction, conserves resources and prolongs a building’s life while preserving its cultural heritage. Positioned across the street from Wayne Junction Train Station, this redevelopment is also an example of transit oriented development. Wayne Junction serves as a multi-modal transfer point between six SEPTA regional rail lines and three major bus routes.

This fully leased redevelopment spurred additional investment in Wayne Junction helping to stimulate economic growth in the area. Having a microbrewery and sit-down restaurant as anchor tenants helped mark Wayne Junction as a destination for area residents who enjoy good food and quality beer.

• FourSquare, a data science company helping clients transform websites into powerful front-end marketing channels, commenced their lease in late 2018.
• Attic Brewing Company, an award winning start-up microbrewery, opened in January 2020. Due to initial popularity, they added a beer garden in the adjacent lot and will b expanding to open a café next door. Attic hosts events, theme nights and many local musicians.
• Deke’s BBQ opened in February 2020. This is Deke’s second location, and in addition to serving Bar-B-Q, they host parties and events, offer take-out and eat-in service, and the kitchen serves as a commissary for their catering and food truck operations.

Project Partners:

• Developer & Architect – Philly Office Retail
• Engineer – J+M Engineering