Hope for the Graffiti Building

311 N. 12th Street might not be a flop house for the homeless much longer. If you're unsure which building this is, it's the giant warehouse near 12th and Vine rising above the corn mural. It's covered in graffiti and has almost no windows remaining.

The building was purchased by Post Brothers Apartments, a Philadelphia apartment company that owns and runs several properties in the city. Currently the dilapidated building, known as a favorite of graffiti artists, is being cleaned and the exits are being secured. Yesterday crew could even be seen pulling weeds from the sidewalk. According to Brownstoner, squatters had tunneled into the building to avoid being seen.

The first two floors will receive plywood coverings decorated by local artists. Post Brothers is anticipating occupancy in 18 optimistic months. The building is in the Callowhill Industrial Historic District which is on the National Register of Historic Places.