Plans Call For Melrose 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.

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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.

Melrose Diner in South Philadelphia PA - Photo: Google Maps

And it's in that commercial space where the diner might be "reincarnated."

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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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Iconic sign at the Melrose Diner in South Philadelphia PA - Photo: Google Maps

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.