Demolition complete. That’s what the headlines screamed. But what about the stories? What about Building 122?
Building 122 wasn’t just a building. It was a Midtown Village landmark. It housed the Midtown II Diner. A true Philadelphia institution. This diner wasn’t fancy. It was a place for simple meals. Twenty-four-hour service. Budget friendly. It was a beloved spot for over 30 years. Locals called it a no-frills round-the-clock haven. A place where you could grab a bite anytime day or night.
Originally two separate structures a two-story low-rise and a four-story mid-block building. Over time they became one. A unified exterior. A single interior function. The diner occupied the ground floor. It thrived for decades. A testament to its popularity. Then in June 2016 everything changed.
Midtown II closed. The diner’s lights went out. The place fell silent. Sansom Realty Holdings LLC bought the site for $3.85 million in December of that year. Demolition permits followed in 2019. The cost of the demolition? Just $120,000. JPC Group Inc handled the job.
Even before demolition Building 122 showed its age. It looked shabby. Some might even call it an eyesore. But its size fit the block seamlessly. It was pedestrian-friendly. Its massing blended with its surroundings. It was a testament to the area’s architectural history.
A new 14-story 86-room hotel will soon rise on the site. A construction permit was issued in September 2021. Midwest Construction and Painting Inc are the contractors. The hotel will add commercial density to the neighborhood. It will maintain a small footprint consistent with the traditional scale of the street. Building 122’s legacy lives on. Though changed forever. It’s a story of evolution. A story of change. A story of Philadelphia.