Blasphemy! Plans Call For Iconic Diner in Philadelphia, PA, To Be Demolished
The days appear to be numbered for an iconic diner in South Philadelphia -- at least in its current incarnation.
For the past several decades on an oddly-shaped triangular plot of land between South 15th Street and Passyunk and Snyder Avenues sat the legendary chrome-topped Melrose Diner.
But it might not be there much longer.
According to WCAU-TV, plans obtained by the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections show the diner and adjacent buildings being demolished so a 5-story apartment building with commercial space can be built in its place.
And it's in that commercial space where the diner might be "reincarnated."
The Rising Real Estate website reports the new 55-foot-tall building will contain 94 residential units, a roof deck, and space on the ground level that has been labeled as "future diner."
The Melrose Diner closed last summer after a fire. There was another blaze at the restaurant in the summer of 2019.
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With the impending demolition of the diner now making headlines, its owners took to Facebook to post a statement:
Hi all. We appreciate the outpouring of concern and support. Concrete plans for our reopening will be revealed to the public in the coming weeks. The rumor mill about a permanent closure is untrue, regardless what certain individuals decide to write in a newspaper article. We believe in doing things right the first time, so when our finalized plan for reopening *at the same location* is approved it will be made public. Thank you for continued support. We look forward to serving you for decades to come. Stay tuned.
Everybody who knows goes to Melrose
Of course, anyone who grew up in and around Philadelphia remembers that classic Melrose Diner jingle.
Meanwhile, should you find yourself on the other side of the river in South Jersey, check out these classic diners...